Great time in church today. I spoke on 'the Secret...of Contentment'.
We see a society striving for contentment; happiness; fulfilment. Looking for the next relationship...next holiday etc. ‘What have we got to look forward to next?’
The world strives for ‘the secret’ to happiness...to contentment.
There is a secret to contentment and it is something that I believe the Apostle Paul shares very clearly with us in the book of Philippians.
Philippians 4:11-13 (Amplified)
Contentment is something that can be a tremendous blessing when attained. The flipside - the lack of contentment can be a powerful negative force upon the life of anyone.
Like love, faithfulness, hope, joy and peace, ‘Contentment’ continues to grow when it is used and shared. It is not something when obtained we keep to ourselves. If we do...we lose it! Selfish living.
Proverbs 19:23 - The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble
1 Timothy 6:6 - But Godliness with contentment is great gain
Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you
Here’s the secret...
(13) I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency!]
Three ways to help us attain contentment and three battles we face to maintain contentment.
1) We need to attend Class
Paul states that contentment can be learned. He himself can and did learn it.
Vs 11 states that he has learned to be content in all circumstances, and in Vs 12, Paul says he learned the secret of being content.
He has learned contentment in all circumstances because he has been in all circumstances.
What has Paul learned? He has learned that God will provide.
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Paul has also learned to rely on the strength that God provides. When Paul says that he can do all things, he means that in all the circumstances he finds himself in, God’s strength is full and sufficient!
Paul once describes a “thorn in the flesh,” a physical experience he wants removed. However, God’s answer to Paul is “my grace is sufficient for you.”
Paul’s thorn taught him to rely on God’s provision, whether for material or physical needs.
2) We must have a Cause
Philippians 1:20-25 - (20) I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (22) If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! (23) I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far
I believe to have contentment we must have a Cause.
Paul had a mission, to take the Gospel anywhere he could. To complete his mission, he would do whatever was needed, endure whatever circumstances came his way.
Jesus was born for a cause, that CAUSE was to restore this world back to God. You and I also were born for a cause, and our connection to the world is that same cause, and it’s the cause of the King and of the Kingdom.
The “cause” is always about someone else...not about ME. Living for Him and to lift the lives of others!
3) We must have something to Cherish
We were ‘made’ to worship. If we don’t worship God, we will end up worshipping something/someone else. Why? The human heart is made to worship, but it is made to worship God. Nothing else fits!
Once we cherish God, all the other things that would try to grab our attention fall into their proper perspective. We see things as they really are.
Only true contentment comes when we cherish, worship the one true God.
Many challenges await us on our journey to contentment. Three significant challenges to overcome are:
1) We must not fall prey to Comparison
We must avoid making Comparisons. Comparing my situation and/or problems with others’ situations will never help, and almost always hurt.
How can we overcome comparisons? Comparisons are defeated through thanksgiving.
Philippians 4:6 – Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
Thankfulness will remind you and me that we truly are rich and, thus, will help us fight off comparisons.
2) We must remember we are in a Conflict
Spiritual Conflict is real. Satan is the god of this world, and he will use whatever this world has to offer to try to wound, defeat or discourage us.
A discontented Christian is no threat to him. Satan cannot defeat you, but he can make you ineffective. Discontentment is a powerful method for immobilising us.
2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 - The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
3) Quit Complaining!
Grumbling is...to complain in a surly manner, to mutter discontentedly
Do we ever mutter discontentedly? We all have! But for most of us we don’t allow this spirit to characterise our lives.
We have all had our grumbling moments – but there is a difference in having an occasional moan and being a grumbler – the consequences differ as well from having an occasional whinge and actually being a person who grumbles as a course of nature, habit and attitude.
The concern isn’t having a grumble the concern is when you stay there and make it your lifestyle and grumbling is always the first port of call in your life.
Philippians 2:14 (Amplified Bible) says; “Do all things without grumbling and fault-finding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves]
There is nothing about grumbling that is good – there are no redeeming features of grumbling and complaining - it is a destructive spirit with no positives to it.
Paul could have grumbled and complained because of his hardships – instead he learned the secret of contentment – of being content in any and every situation – what a challenge for us today!
Don’t let a lifestyle of grumbling...discontentment rob us of a life time of blessing - learn the secret of being content no matter what the circumstance – and remember...
You have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers you [Ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; You are self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency!]
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Attachment
Simon Wood spoke an encouraging message this morning in church on the laws of attachment.
The church is to reflect God’s heart, his life and hope. The message of good news to the world through the church. We want to see lives changed, turned around for good.
John 15:1-5 – (1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (2) He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (3) You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. (4) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (5) I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
We have a great future as we remain attached to the Vine, Jesus, and as we remain attached to one another...the church.
We remain fruitful as we remain attached to God and also attached to our world.
Psalm 1:1-3 – (1) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
As a church we don’t just remain attached to God but also to our world…our heart’s desire is to see them become attached to God.
For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son...God’s heart is for the world and as a church we seek to bless the world.
Connection and attachment comes though knowing God’s word...His truth sets us free.
Wisdom comes to us not just for church but also for where we go into our world, work, school, streets etc.
Proverbs 8:1-3 – Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud
Still need to remain connected to God’s wisdom and not the world’s wisdom. We’re called to be in the world but not to live by its wisdom.
God wants us to connect with people; we make a difference in people’s lives. Church is also a place to connect with people, where we grow and flourish.
John 17:10-12 – (10) All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. (11) I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me - so that they may be one as we are one. (12) While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
We’re meant to be as one so the world will see God and know the truth.
The church is to reflect God’s heart, his life and hope. The message of good news to the world through the church. We want to see lives changed, turned around for good.
John 15:1-5 – (1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (2) He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (3) You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. (4) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (5) I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
We have a great future as we remain attached to the Vine, Jesus, and as we remain attached to one another...the church.
We remain fruitful as we remain attached to God and also attached to our world.
Psalm 1:1-3 – (1) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
As a church we don’t just remain attached to God but also to our world…our heart’s desire is to see them become attached to God.
For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son...God’s heart is for the world and as a church we seek to bless the world.
Connection and attachment comes though knowing God’s word...His truth sets us free.
Wisdom comes to us not just for church but also for where we go into our world, work, school, streets etc.
Proverbs 8:1-3 – Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud
Still need to remain connected to God’s wisdom and not the world’s wisdom. We’re called to be in the world but not to live by its wisdom.
God wants us to connect with people; we make a difference in people’s lives. Church is also a place to connect with people, where we grow and flourish.
John 17:10-12 – (10) All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. (11) I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me - so that they may be one as we are one. (12) While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
We’re meant to be as one so the world will see God and know the truth.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Where does God go...? Part III
Paul Benger finished our latest series this morning. He spoke a great message entitled ‘Where does God go...on Saturday...when we rest?
When it comes to our worship everyday is special. But ‘rest’ is an important principle in our lives. The Jews celebrate the Sabbath, and for us everyday is holy and separate for God.
When we ‘rest’ we are living with trust and attitude of faith for God. Rest in our lives is important for our spiritual, physical and emotional being.
Psalm 23
‘Stuff’ can get to us in life. Our souls can become contaminated so we need to take time-out so our souls can be restored. God wants us to have a restored soul.
In Psalm 23 we are called sheep because of our relationship with the Shepherd. We need a Shepherd.
Jeremiah 17:22 – And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy
Don’t get bogged down, find freedom! Our faith offers us a place of rest.
Exodus 20:8-11- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
We cannot get right with God simply by obeying the commandments. The commandments show us that life works best like this. We get right with God through our relationship with Jesus.
The Sabbath is about Creation
When God had finished creating the heavens and the earth on the seventh day he rested. He was announcing that Creation was complete. That it was ‘very good’. He had no intention to work on it anymore. Just like Adam and Eve, we work in that environment of ‘rest. As they did on the seventh day.
When they fell the burden of work became apparent to them. Unrest is the result of the fall. Not as God intended it. He wanted to share perfect creation with them.
The Sabbath is reminding us of God’s intention. ‘Remember the way I made you’.
We were made to enjoy rest. We remember we are trusting God with our lives. Just like the ‘tithe’ we are trusting God with our finances...trusting God with our ‘time’ as we give it to him.
The Sabbath is about Redemption
Hebrews 4:1 - Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
God wants us to live unloaded, unburdened lives. Cast your cares upon him. He wants to carry our burdens.
Hebrews 4:9-10 – There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.
God wants us to know burdenless living. To be right with him through our relationship with Jesus Christ.
John 19:30 - When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished”. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit
When God had finished creating the earth His rest declared ‘it is finished’ - creation is complete.
When Jesus was on the cross he declared ‘it is finished’ - redemption is complete.
The work of redemption was complete.
Acts 3:19-21 – Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you— even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
He had paid the price for sin, for guilt.
A period of rest is so important in our lives. We are made that way. It restores us, re-energises us, re-envisions us. Religion is a poor shadow of the life God wants for you...and rest is a part of that life.
When it comes to our worship everyday is special. But ‘rest’ is an important principle in our lives. The Jews celebrate the Sabbath, and for us everyday is holy and separate for God.
When we ‘rest’ we are living with trust and attitude of faith for God. Rest in our lives is important for our spiritual, physical and emotional being.
Psalm 23
‘Stuff’ can get to us in life. Our souls can become contaminated so we need to take time-out so our souls can be restored. God wants us to have a restored soul.
In Psalm 23 we are called sheep because of our relationship with the Shepherd. We need a Shepherd.
Jeremiah 17:22 – And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy
Don’t get bogged down, find freedom! Our faith offers us a place of rest.
Exodus 20:8-11- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
We cannot get right with God simply by obeying the commandments. The commandments show us that life works best like this. We get right with God through our relationship with Jesus.
The Sabbath is about Creation
When God had finished creating the heavens and the earth on the seventh day he rested. He was announcing that Creation was complete. That it was ‘very good’. He had no intention to work on it anymore. Just like Adam and Eve, we work in that environment of ‘rest. As they did on the seventh day.
When they fell the burden of work became apparent to them. Unrest is the result of the fall. Not as God intended it. He wanted to share perfect creation with them.
The Sabbath is reminding us of God’s intention. ‘Remember the way I made you’.
We were made to enjoy rest. We remember we are trusting God with our lives. Just like the ‘tithe’ we are trusting God with our finances...trusting God with our ‘time’ as we give it to him.
The Sabbath is about Redemption
Hebrews 4:1 - Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
God wants us to live unloaded, unburdened lives. Cast your cares upon him. He wants to carry our burdens.
Hebrews 4:9-10 – There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.
God wants us to know burdenless living. To be right with him through our relationship with Jesus Christ.
John 19:30 - When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished”. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit
When God had finished creating the earth His rest declared ‘it is finished’ - creation is complete.
When Jesus was on the cross he declared ‘it is finished’ - redemption is complete.
The work of redemption was complete.
Acts 3:19-21 – Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you— even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
He had paid the price for sin, for guilt.
A period of rest is so important in our lives. We are made that way. It restores us, re-energises us, re-envisions us. Religion is a poor shadow of the life God wants for you...and rest is a part of that life.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Where does God go...? Part II
Paul Benger continued this excellent series this morning. He spoke on ‘Where does God go...on Monday...when we go to work?
We can find ourselves living our lives in boxes. Our Christian lives can also become one of those boxes...the one and half-hours on Sunday morning for example. When in fact it should influence the whole of our lives.
Work is a good example of this. We spend 40 to 60% of our lives at work.
What is our view of work? Some people have a negative view. That work only came after ‘the fall’. God had not intended us to work. We work just to pay the bills.
Some people have a much more positive view of work. That work not only supports me but also releases me. Some see at as a ‘calling’, vocational…it’s what I’m meant to be doing.
The Bible tells us that work is an important part of our faith.
James 2:17 – Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead
God provides the food for the birds but they still have to go out and get it.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Strong Christians have a positive view of work.
(The Boss) Colossians 4:1 – Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven
(The Employees) Ephesians 6:5 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ
We don’t go to work to receive joy...we bring joy to the job with our attitude. Our attitude to our work is so important.
"The maid who sweeps the floor worships God while she does it. Not because she might sing a hymn while she swept, but because God loves clean floors" Martin Luther
God uses busy people. Luke 10:2 – He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field
This was Jesus’ vision of how to change the world. He is looking for people. Let us work smarter as a church to reach our world.
The Disciples were busy when Jesus came to them and called them.
People sometimes think that others ‘have’ because they are luckier than they are. What is true though...
“The harder I work the luckier I become” Thomas Jefferson
5 truths about work...
1) Work is the call of God on our lives
Genesis 2:5 – The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it
It is wrong to think that ‘work’ only came about because of the fall of man. God gave work to Adam before he fell.
We’re here to take care of our world...and what I am doing is my bit. Our work is our worship to God.
Colossians 3:22-24 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
2) Work provides me with resources so that I can give
Ephesians 4:28 – He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Making a profit is not evil. It allows us to give...to be generous in all that we do.
3) Influence comes through our work
We can bring God’s will through the influence that we have. Our prayer is to see Christians having influence across all spheres within our society. We want to see God’s Kingdom, his will coming into our lives and in the lives of those around us. Prayer is so important, praying for the will of God to come, as Jesus showed us how to pray.
Proverbs 11:10 - When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices. Chesterfield will be a better place.
4) Work produces diligence
Be a good finisher as well as a good starter. As we work we learn to become finishers, that we are in control. We are not ‘reactive’ people in our work but we get the job done because we are in charge of our lives.
Psalm 8:4-6 – What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet
We take charge. Not someone else...but YOU.
5) Our future comes from our work
Proverbs 13:23 – A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away
There’s a lot in the ground of your world. We will see so much in our future as we work faithfully for God having the right heart and attitude.
We can find ourselves living our lives in boxes. Our Christian lives can also become one of those boxes...the one and half-hours on Sunday morning for example. When in fact it should influence the whole of our lives.
Work is a good example of this. We spend 40 to 60% of our lives at work.
What is our view of work? Some people have a negative view. That work only came after ‘the fall’. God had not intended us to work. We work just to pay the bills.
Some people have a much more positive view of work. That work not only supports me but also releases me. Some see at as a ‘calling’, vocational…it’s what I’m meant to be doing.
The Bible tells us that work is an important part of our faith.
James 2:17 – Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead
God provides the food for the birds but they still have to go out and get it.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Strong Christians have a positive view of work.
(The Boss) Colossians 4:1 – Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven
(The Employees) Ephesians 6:5 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ
We don’t go to work to receive joy...we bring joy to the job with our attitude. Our attitude to our work is so important.
"The maid who sweeps the floor worships God while she does it. Not because she might sing a hymn while she swept, but because God loves clean floors" Martin Luther
God uses busy people. Luke 10:2 – He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field
This was Jesus’ vision of how to change the world. He is looking for people. Let us work smarter as a church to reach our world.
The Disciples were busy when Jesus came to them and called them.
People sometimes think that others ‘have’ because they are luckier than they are. What is true though...
“The harder I work the luckier I become” Thomas Jefferson
5 truths about work...
1) Work is the call of God on our lives
Genesis 2:5 – The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it
It is wrong to think that ‘work’ only came about because of the fall of man. God gave work to Adam before he fell.
We’re here to take care of our world...and what I am doing is my bit. Our work is our worship to God.
Colossians 3:22-24 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
2) Work provides me with resources so that I can give
Ephesians 4:28 – He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Making a profit is not evil. It allows us to give...to be generous in all that we do.
3) Influence comes through our work
We can bring God’s will through the influence that we have. Our prayer is to see Christians having influence across all spheres within our society. We want to see God’s Kingdom, his will coming into our lives and in the lives of those around us. Prayer is so important, praying for the will of God to come, as Jesus showed us how to pray.
Proverbs 11:10 - When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices. Chesterfield will be a better place.
4) Work produces diligence
Be a good finisher as well as a good starter. As we work we learn to become finishers, that we are in control. We are not ‘reactive’ people in our work but we get the job done because we are in charge of our lives.
Psalm 8:4-6 – What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet
We take charge. Not someone else...but YOU.
5) Our future comes from our work
Proverbs 13:23 – A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away
There’s a lot in the ground of your world. We will see so much in our future as we work faithfully for God having the right heart and attitude.
Monday, November 12, 2007
When Storms Come
Great time in church yesterday. I spoke on the subject of navigating life’s storms.
Acts 27:13-44
Matthew 7:24-27
Storms know now boundaries and have no favourites. Notice the similarities in what happened to both men…the rains came, the streams rose, the winds blew. The reality is, life is full of storms. And storms are no respecter of persons. No matter what kind of life we’re living the storms will still come.
So often people want to debate the cause of the storm but all Jesus wants us to see is the kind of foundation on which to build our lives upon. The right question is not whether they will come, or when, but how we will respond to them.
In Acts 27 they were in a storm that seemed to be overwhelming. In an effort to save the ship and their lives, they cast four anchors into the sea. These anchors proved ineffective against the storm and the ship was ultimately lost. However I believe the Apostle Paul had four anchors as well. These anchors steadied him during the storm. Even though that ship was shaken and battered, Paul was able to make it because he had these anchors in his life.
Hebrews 6:18-19: We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place. Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever.
The same anchors that kept Paul steady in his storm are available to you and me when our storms come.
1) The Presence of God
Vs 23 - Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me
Paul found that even in the midst of the raging storm he was not alone. The Lord came to him to minister peace to his heart.
Hebrews 13:5 – I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me
2) The Promises of God
Vs 23-25 – (23) Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me (24) and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' (25) So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
For Paul, just having a word from God was enough to anchor him and give him that assurance. He knew God was a promise keeping God.
Romans 4:21 – “What he promises He is able to perform.”
Promises from God’s Word make a strong anchor in the stormy seas of life.
3) The Purposes of God
Vs 24 - “…Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you”
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future.”
God has a plan for you – He has a plan to give you hope, to prosper you not to harm you – he has a future for you!
Paul had a purpose. Even though he was in the storm of his life he knew he was living for Christ. He was a prisoner yet he had purpose. Like Paul, you will not only survive the storm, but you will also accomplish your mission.
4) The Power of God
Vs 44 - “…everyone reached land in safety”
If I am in a storm I want to be anchored to the strong power of the one who can calm the winds and the waves. God is able to work it all out! He will get you through your storm and land you safely beyond it!
Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Jeremiah 32:17 “…for you have made the heavens by your great power…nothing is too hard for you.”
When our lives are in a time of storm we need to: “Do the natural everyday things”
Acts 27:34 - Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head."
Though it tries, we cannot allow the storm to take over our whole life. We need to do our part so God can do His part
When our lives are in a time of storm we need to: “Give thanks and worship God”
Acts 27:35-36 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.
When the waves are crashing against us, we find out where our trust is. When we are in a storm God can do two things: Calm the storm or calm me!
When our lives are in a time of storm: “Don’t forget there is a shore”
Acts 27:44 – 28:1 …In this way everyone reached land in safety. (28:1) Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta
The storm will end. There is still a destination at the end of the storm. God’s assignment for Paul did not change because of the storm and neither does a storm change yours.
There are people on your shore who need the God that brought you through the storms of your life.
Acts 27:13-44
Matthew 7:24-27
Storms know now boundaries and have no favourites. Notice the similarities in what happened to both men…the rains came, the streams rose, the winds blew. The reality is, life is full of storms. And storms are no respecter of persons. No matter what kind of life we’re living the storms will still come.
So often people want to debate the cause of the storm but all Jesus wants us to see is the kind of foundation on which to build our lives upon. The right question is not whether they will come, or when, but how we will respond to them.
In Acts 27 they were in a storm that seemed to be overwhelming. In an effort to save the ship and their lives, they cast four anchors into the sea. These anchors proved ineffective against the storm and the ship was ultimately lost. However I believe the Apostle Paul had four anchors as well. These anchors steadied him during the storm. Even though that ship was shaken and battered, Paul was able to make it because he had these anchors in his life.
Hebrews 6:18-19: We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place. Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever.
The same anchors that kept Paul steady in his storm are available to you and me when our storms come.
1) The Presence of God
Vs 23 - Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me
Paul found that even in the midst of the raging storm he was not alone. The Lord came to him to minister peace to his heart.
Hebrews 13:5 – I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me
2) The Promises of God
Vs 23-25 – (23) Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me (24) and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' (25) So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
For Paul, just having a word from God was enough to anchor him and give him that assurance. He knew God was a promise keeping God.
Romans 4:21 – “What he promises He is able to perform.”
Promises from God’s Word make a strong anchor in the stormy seas of life.
3) The Purposes of God
Vs 24 - “…Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you”
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future.”
God has a plan for you – He has a plan to give you hope, to prosper you not to harm you – he has a future for you!
Paul had a purpose. Even though he was in the storm of his life he knew he was living for Christ. He was a prisoner yet he had purpose. Like Paul, you will not only survive the storm, but you will also accomplish your mission.
4) The Power of God
Vs 44 - “…everyone reached land in safety”
If I am in a storm I want to be anchored to the strong power of the one who can calm the winds and the waves. God is able to work it all out! He will get you through your storm and land you safely beyond it!
Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Jeremiah 32:17 “…for you have made the heavens by your great power…nothing is too hard for you.”
When our lives are in a time of storm we need to: “Do the natural everyday things”
Acts 27:34 - Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head."
Though it tries, we cannot allow the storm to take over our whole life. We need to do our part so God can do His part
When our lives are in a time of storm we need to: “Give thanks and worship God”
Acts 27:35-36 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.
When the waves are crashing against us, we find out where our trust is. When we are in a storm God can do two things: Calm the storm or calm me!
When our lives are in a time of storm: “Don’t forget there is a shore”
Acts 27:44 – 28:1 …In this way everyone reached land in safety. (28:1) Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta
The storm will end. There is still a destination at the end of the storm. God’s assignment for Paul did not change because of the storm and neither does a storm change yours.
There are people on your shore who need the God that brought you through the storms of your life.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Where does God go…? Part I
Paul Benger began our new series this morning in church. He spoke an excellent message on ‘Where does God go...on Sunday?’
God is in everything. We cannot keep God in a separate box from everything else (i.e. a ‘church’ box). What is God doing on a Sunday morning?
There are so many Christians who no longer go to church…saying they can meet God on the golf course, or that they can get all they need from Christian TV. Why do we even bother going to church at all? It is so important that we get church right.
We need all of the following spaces. We meet God in all of them. Where Jesus connects with us.
We meet and connect in public spaces – having shared experiences.
We meet and connect in social spaces – this is the kind of space that churches often have the least of. They are very important, where coffee and small talk happens.
We meet and connect in personal spaces – Groups of six to twelve people, we call our ‘connect groups’. Where people bond.
We meet and connect in intimate spaces – where we share everythinng with just a few people. Our spouse, best friend etc.
Our times together on a Sunday, the church corporate, are so important...our shared experience. But this is not the only space that we need...we need all of the others too.
On Sundays we worship together. Sometimes we worship with people we don’t know but we are still ‘one’ in Christ.
Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body, the church
1 Peter 2:5 - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light
We are the people of God doing life together. God has a plan for us; he gets his will and purposes done through us, the church. God made us for this purpose to be together as the church living healthy lives.
Sunday mornings have to be good! We meet God through each other.
Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them
Why do we meet together?
I need to praise God
Does God need our worship? He made us so that when we see something greater than ‘us’ we have the need to praise it. When we get the revelation of who God is, when we truly see Him, we have to praise and worship Him.
I need to see a big God
Without church my vision of God becomes small. My troubles are magnified and hope fades. When we’re together lifting God, lifting one another, something happens...we begin to see a big God. ‘O magnify the Lord with me!’ – not on my own but together. God becomes bigger in our eyes, our perspective changes.
I need to see the reason for my faith
To see why we are here, together within His body. That God wants to do something through us as we come together. There is an impartation in our lives that we’ve been called to something great. The vision becomes clearer.
How do we make Sundays great?
Consider people – making people feel that they belong.
Consider the atmosphere – the presence of God comes as we gather together. Let us bring our passionate praise for God into our times together.
Let us make church a place where people can interact, participate, have fun, know fullness of life, be cared for and grow.
God is in everything. We cannot keep God in a separate box from everything else (i.e. a ‘church’ box). What is God doing on a Sunday morning?
There are so many Christians who no longer go to church…saying they can meet God on the golf course, or that they can get all they need from Christian TV. Why do we even bother going to church at all? It is so important that we get church right.
We need all of the following spaces. We meet God in all of them. Where Jesus connects with us.
We meet and connect in public spaces – having shared experiences.
We meet and connect in social spaces – this is the kind of space that churches often have the least of. They are very important, where coffee and small talk happens.
We meet and connect in personal spaces – Groups of six to twelve people, we call our ‘connect groups’. Where people bond.
We meet and connect in intimate spaces – where we share everythinng with just a few people. Our spouse, best friend etc.
Our times together on a Sunday, the church corporate, are so important...our shared experience. But this is not the only space that we need...we need all of the others too.
On Sundays we worship together. Sometimes we worship with people we don’t know but we are still ‘one’ in Christ.
Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body, the church
1 Peter 2:5 - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light
We are the people of God doing life together. God has a plan for us; he gets his will and purposes done through us, the church. God made us for this purpose to be together as the church living healthy lives.
Sunday mornings have to be good! We meet God through each other.
Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them
Why do we meet together?
I need to praise God
Does God need our worship? He made us so that when we see something greater than ‘us’ we have the need to praise it. When we get the revelation of who God is, when we truly see Him, we have to praise and worship Him.
I need to see a big God
Without church my vision of God becomes small. My troubles are magnified and hope fades. When we’re together lifting God, lifting one another, something happens...we begin to see a big God. ‘O magnify the Lord with me!’ – not on my own but together. God becomes bigger in our eyes, our perspective changes.
I need to see the reason for my faith
To see why we are here, together within His body. That God wants to do something through us as we come together. There is an impartation in our lives that we’ve been called to something great. The vision becomes clearer.
How do we make Sundays great?
Consider people – making people feel that they belong.
Consider the atmosphere – the presence of God comes as we gather together. Let us bring our passionate praise for God into our times together.
Let us make church a place where people can interact, participate, have fun, know fullness of life, be cared for and grow.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Blessed
Fantastic time in church this morning, Mark Wilkins brought a great message entitled ‘Blessed’.
Genesis 12:2-3 – I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.
We are blessed by God. Blessed meaning...in receipt of divine favour, He has showered us with good gifts. God wants to bless all the people in the earth, He does this through the church.
Psalm 67:1-2 – May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favour on us. May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.
God’s favour is with us. Let us make this known in all the earth. This is our great calling to be a blessing to others...the church is good news.
Luke 22:27 – Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.
Jesus came to serve to be a blessing. Blessing is all about serving others. Our streets become a better place because we are there. Let us be good news where we live, to be light in dark places. Bringing out the God colours in our world...
Matthew 5:13-16
What does this look like? It doesn’t mean going around telling the world how dark it is. It’s about showing them the opposite.
Jesus was good news wherever he went. He didn’t condemn people, he drew along side and lifted there lives to a better place. The Samaritan woman, the woman caught in adultery.
Darkness only exists where light has receded. We don’t have to battle with the darkness we just need to be there! What kind of light should we be? A torch, showing the way little by little or maybe a lighthouse giving warning against oncoming danger.
The best light is more wholeness, bringing God colours, his goodness. Being good news wherever we go.
How do we become like that?
1) Be authentic about our faith
We come to faith in Jesus at the cross, but that’s just the beginning of our journey. We continue to learn and grow. We don’t have all the answers. Romans 12 talks about us being transformed. This is a process as we put our trust in God and his word. Let his word enhance our lives and let us enhance the lives of others. Be transformed to be more like him. Not miserable Christians or those who think they have all the answers. Authentic, real faith. Embrace the journey we are on...enjoy it!
2) Build authentic relationships
Love people. People will come to Christ as we desire the very best for people. Let us build real friendships. Encourage one another.
3) Bring Hope
‘Hope’ is the best gift we can give. Not a blind hope...but hope that understands that ‘stuff’ happens...but that this is not the end! Life is good and God wants us to enjoy life. As the church we can say that ‘Jesus is here’, the giver of life. Let us be ‘life giving’ in all that we do. Take time to show acts of kindness.
God is Good - let us affirm this in our lives and in our communities.
Genesis 12:2-3 – I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.
We are blessed by God. Blessed meaning...in receipt of divine favour, He has showered us with good gifts. God wants to bless all the people in the earth, He does this through the church.
Psalm 67:1-2 – May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favour on us. May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.
God’s favour is with us. Let us make this known in all the earth. This is our great calling to be a blessing to others...the church is good news.
Luke 22:27 – Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.
Jesus came to serve to be a blessing. Blessing is all about serving others. Our streets become a better place because we are there. Let us be good news where we live, to be light in dark places. Bringing out the God colours in our world...
Matthew 5:13-16
What does this look like? It doesn’t mean going around telling the world how dark it is. It’s about showing them the opposite.
Jesus was good news wherever he went. He didn’t condemn people, he drew along side and lifted there lives to a better place. The Samaritan woman, the woman caught in adultery.
Darkness only exists where light has receded. We don’t have to battle with the darkness we just need to be there! What kind of light should we be? A torch, showing the way little by little or maybe a lighthouse giving warning against oncoming danger.
The best light is more wholeness, bringing God colours, his goodness. Being good news wherever we go.
How do we become like that?
1) Be authentic about our faith
We come to faith in Jesus at the cross, but that’s just the beginning of our journey. We continue to learn and grow. We don’t have all the answers. Romans 12 talks about us being transformed. This is a process as we put our trust in God and his word. Let his word enhance our lives and let us enhance the lives of others. Be transformed to be more like him. Not miserable Christians or those who think they have all the answers. Authentic, real faith. Embrace the journey we are on...enjoy it!
2) Build authentic relationships
Love people. People will come to Christ as we desire the very best for people. Let us build real friendships. Encourage one another.
3) Bring Hope
‘Hope’ is the best gift we can give. Not a blind hope...but hope that understands that ‘stuff’ happens...but that this is not the end! Life is good and God wants us to enjoy life. As the church we can say that ‘Jesus is here’, the giver of life. Let us be ‘life giving’ in all that we do. Take time to show acts of kindness.
God is Good - let us affirm this in our lives and in our communities.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Rise and Build II
Paul Benger completed our Rise and Build fortnight with a great message continuing on from last week’s which was based on Nehemiah Chapter 2.
Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Then I said to them, You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rise and build the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, Let us rise and build. So they began this good work.
As we rise and build, just as in Nehemiah’s day, we need leadership and vision.
The church is all about people. People who will become all that God has called them to be. As we read these verses from Nehemiah let as consider the people and how they approached the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
1) They increased their vision
Vision is so important. When you’re in a desperate place, even down-trodden as the people of God were, it is easy to get locked into that desperate position. Nehemiah lifted their vision for their city and for their own lives.
Let us not forget the promises of God for our lives. Don’t forget the passion he has put inside of us…rediscover the passion! We can easily focus on the WHAT IS and forget the WHAT CAN BE!
The people had become slaves to their situation. When they were people of purpose, of prosperity, with hope and a great future!
Ephesians 2:19-21 – Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
God wants us to be family. A welcoming home...where we’re meant to be. A place where people ‘belong’.
Ephesians 1:22-23 – And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Be faithful with what we have now. So that God can trust us with so much more.
2) They overcame opposition
They caught the vision. When they faced setback and opposition they had to learn how to stay focused. We need to do this...to stay the course. Believe God. They received ridicule and even threats and the people became afraid. We may face the power of intimidation, the power of rumour...this can cause us to say ‘it’s all over’, to lose heart and give in.
Nehemiah 4:17 - Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other
Materials and weapons! We need to be ready...to overcome opposition, ready to fight! Refuse to be intimidated. To take a stand...this is true spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6 speaks of standing firm. Even when things aren’t working out too well believe that God is with you...take a stand.
3) They restored their worship
The people renewed the wall, the temple and their worship. They brought their offerings into the storehouse of God’s house. They needed to remove the stuff that had taken the place of their offerings/worship. We need to get rid certain things in our lives that may have replaced our worship. Let giving be an expression of our worship to God.
Malachi 3:10-12 – Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit, says the LORD Almighty. Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land, says the LORD Almighty
4) They lived in rest
They restored the Sabbath. We need time in our lives for rest, for worship, to honour God. Rest = living our lives based on what Christ has done for us not on what we can do for him. He has blessed us with all that we need. Realise that and line up with it! The grace and favour of God in my life.
If you are facing a battle today realise that Jesus has already won the victory! This is the Gospel...nothing that I can work at ‘really hard’...a gift of God through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 11:28-29 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Then I said to them, You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rise and build the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, Let us rise and build. So they began this good work.
As we rise and build, just as in Nehemiah’s day, we need leadership and vision.
The church is all about people. People who will become all that God has called them to be. As we read these verses from Nehemiah let as consider the people and how they approached the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
1) They increased their vision
Vision is so important. When you’re in a desperate place, even down-trodden as the people of God were, it is easy to get locked into that desperate position. Nehemiah lifted their vision for their city and for their own lives.
Let us not forget the promises of God for our lives. Don’t forget the passion he has put inside of us…rediscover the passion! We can easily focus on the WHAT IS and forget the WHAT CAN BE!
The people had become slaves to their situation. When they were people of purpose, of prosperity, with hope and a great future!
Ephesians 2:19-21 – Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
God wants us to be family. A welcoming home...where we’re meant to be. A place where people ‘belong’.
Ephesians 1:22-23 – And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Be faithful with what we have now. So that God can trust us with so much more.
2) They overcame opposition
They caught the vision. When they faced setback and opposition they had to learn how to stay focused. We need to do this...to stay the course. Believe God. They received ridicule and even threats and the people became afraid. We may face the power of intimidation, the power of rumour...this can cause us to say ‘it’s all over’, to lose heart and give in.
Nehemiah 4:17 - Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other
Materials and weapons! We need to be ready...to overcome opposition, ready to fight! Refuse to be intimidated. To take a stand...this is true spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6 speaks of standing firm. Even when things aren’t working out too well believe that God is with you...take a stand.
3) They restored their worship
The people renewed the wall, the temple and their worship. They brought their offerings into the storehouse of God’s house. They needed to remove the stuff that had taken the place of their offerings/worship. We need to get rid certain things in our lives that may have replaced our worship. Let giving be an expression of our worship to God.
Malachi 3:10-12 – Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit, says the LORD Almighty. Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land, says the LORD Almighty
4) They lived in rest
They restored the Sabbath. We need time in our lives for rest, for worship, to honour God. Rest = living our lives based on what Christ has done for us not on what we can do for him. He has blessed us with all that we need. Realise that and line up with it! The grace and favour of God in my life.
If you are facing a battle today realise that Jesus has already won the victory! This is the Gospel...nothing that I can work at ‘really hard’...a gift of God through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 11:28-29 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Rise and Build Part I
We began our Rise and Build series this morning in church. This will run for two weeks as we look to push forward as a church to eventually owning our own building. Paul Benger brought an excellent message from Nehemiah Chapter 2.
Nehemiah 2:11-20
Let us rise and build! Nehemiah’s call to the officials and the people of Jerusalem. We build for the glory of God. The church is to be the ‘chief of the mountains’ (Isaiah 2:2) – the House of God, not insignificant as some people would say of the church.
Why should we rise and build?...because of what God has done for us. Salvation is for all. He’s not just done it for me but my neighbour also. Our world needs us to rise and build!
God is saying build my church so that the world will see his glory, his grace, and his forgiveness.
Rise and Build is a call to Unity
Psalm 133 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity…For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life for evermore
Psalm 86:11 - Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name
Give us undivided hearts as we build together. The power of ‘focus’, called together for purpose.
Rise and Build is a call to Partnership
Synergy accomplishes much. ‘Two can put ten thousand to flight’ – Deuteronomy 32:30
As we rise and build together something supernatural will happen. When we do it together as a team. Let us speak the same language. This is a call to partnership, to join the family of God…to be focused as a family. Verse 18 – Let US rise and build!
Rise and Build is a call to Involvement
Each family did their bit...as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Let us be inclusive...get every one involved. Use inclusive language. God wants us to be confident in who we are.
Let us rise up. Two important points of increase to note from Nehemiah 2 concerning Rise and Build...
An Increase in Vision
God wants us to lift our eyes and see a vision of what or who we can be. See our future through God’s eyes. ‘Open up our eyes to the things unseen’. Personally see your vision increase.
An Increase in Skill
The families in Nehemiah had to learn to build the walls. We will see an increase in our skills and abilities...in the resources that come into the church. As we build God’s House together.
Remember it is not our effort that accomplishes God’s will, but God gives us his grace and favour.
Zechariah 4:6-7 - ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it”
When we complete the building with the final ‘capstone’ – it is ‘Grace’ we will declare. We won’t accomplish God’s will because of our power and might but through His Spirit and Grace!
Nehemiah 2:11-20
Let us rise and build! Nehemiah’s call to the officials and the people of Jerusalem. We build for the glory of God. The church is to be the ‘chief of the mountains’ (Isaiah 2:2) – the House of God, not insignificant as some people would say of the church.
Why should we rise and build?...because of what God has done for us. Salvation is for all. He’s not just done it for me but my neighbour also. Our world needs us to rise and build!
God is saying build my church so that the world will see his glory, his grace, and his forgiveness.
Rise and Build is a call to Unity
Psalm 133 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity…For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life for evermore
Psalm 86:11 - Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name
Give us undivided hearts as we build together. The power of ‘focus’, called together for purpose.
Rise and Build is a call to Partnership
Synergy accomplishes much. ‘Two can put ten thousand to flight’ – Deuteronomy 32:30
As we rise and build together something supernatural will happen. When we do it together as a team. Let us speak the same language. This is a call to partnership, to join the family of God…to be focused as a family. Verse 18 – Let US rise and build!
Rise and Build is a call to Involvement
Each family did their bit...as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Let us be inclusive...get every one involved. Use inclusive language. God wants us to be confident in who we are.
Let us rise up. Two important points of increase to note from Nehemiah 2 concerning Rise and Build...
An Increase in Vision
God wants us to lift our eyes and see a vision of what or who we can be. See our future through God’s eyes. ‘Open up our eyes to the things unseen’. Personally see your vision increase.
An Increase in Skill
The families in Nehemiah had to learn to build the walls. We will see an increase in our skills and abilities...in the resources that come into the church. As we build God’s House together.
Remember it is not our effort that accomplishes God’s will, but God gives us his grace and favour.
Zechariah 4:6-7 - ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it”
When we complete the building with the final ‘capstone’ – it is ‘Grace’ we will declare. We won’t accomplish God’s will because of our power and might but through His Spirit and Grace!
Sunday, October 07, 2007
God's Heroes
Great time in church this morning. Jane Lloyd shared an excellent message about us being Heroes for God.
We are God’s heroes – there is a hero in you and God doesn’t want it to stay hidden away. He has called us to do amazing things for him – to be his heroes on the earth...
- to be his heroes where we live
- to be his heroes where we work
Some words associated with Heroes, courage, strength, sacrifice, achievement. It is so important in our own lives that we follow Christ’s example. When God saved us he also called us to do his works here on the earth.
Hebrews chapter 11 tells of the great heroes of faith – ordinary men and women who served an extraordinary God and did not waver in their faith but gave their lives for the kingdom’s cause.
The truth is that God can take any of us and use us to make his name famous.
The bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that we are jars of clay that contain great treasure. In other words it is God’s power in us that gives us the strength and ability to do what he has called us to do.
I believe this church is full of ordinary men and women who are going to do extraordinary things for their God.
What has God called us to?
1. To Live lives of worship/devotion
Devotion - devoting; consecration, eager inclination; strong attachment love or affection; zeal; especially, feelings toward God appropriately expressed by acts of worship; devoutness.
When we first come to Christ there is that youthful passion. God loves that stage which is a very childlike stage. Matthew 18:2-4 He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven
Though we go through the process of growing up, but we should never lose that sense of devotion. In fact it should get stronger. As our love for him grows stronger, our devotion should become very evident. Our devotion will enable us to fulfil what he has called us to do. Acts 2:42-47
2. To Make disciples/be salt and light
Matthew 5:13-16 – "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.
Our own lives should attract others to God. If we give out negative vibes people will stay away from us!
Jesus brought life to people, not criticism. Let us always aim to be a people who have a life-giving spirit. It will revolutionise the way you approach things.
As Christians we should be fun to be around – Jesus was always the centre of attention. People clamoured to be around him and the words he spoke always lifted people to a higher level.
3. To do good works
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
James 2:14-26
Going back to that original verse in Ephesians, God has prepared good works for you and I to do. Look for those opportunities to bless others. Acts of kindness.
Isaiah 32:8 - But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity
How do we fulfil our potential to become a hero for God?
Hebrews 12:1-2 – …let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith
We follow Christ’s example. Become like him – taking on his character:
(Philippians 2 - Humble, displayed God’s love, Life of sacrifice, generous, lifted people up)
I believe God wants to add our lives to his list of heroes so that when we stand before him we can receive his medal of honour.
That kind of devotion will mean...giving certain things up, making sacrifices, pushing through fears, making the decision to trust him completely.
We are God’s heroes – there is a hero in you and God doesn’t want it to stay hidden away. He has called us to do amazing things for him – to be his heroes on the earth...
- to be his heroes where we live
- to be his heroes where we work
Some words associated with Heroes, courage, strength, sacrifice, achievement. It is so important in our own lives that we follow Christ’s example. When God saved us he also called us to do his works here on the earth.
Hebrews chapter 11 tells of the great heroes of faith – ordinary men and women who served an extraordinary God and did not waver in their faith but gave their lives for the kingdom’s cause.
The truth is that God can take any of us and use us to make his name famous.
The bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that we are jars of clay that contain great treasure. In other words it is God’s power in us that gives us the strength and ability to do what he has called us to do.
I believe this church is full of ordinary men and women who are going to do extraordinary things for their God.
What has God called us to?
1. To Live lives of worship/devotion
Devotion - devoting; consecration, eager inclination; strong attachment love or affection; zeal; especially, feelings toward God appropriately expressed by acts of worship; devoutness.
When we first come to Christ there is that youthful passion. God loves that stage which is a very childlike stage. Matthew 18:2-4 He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven
Though we go through the process of growing up, but we should never lose that sense of devotion. In fact it should get stronger. As our love for him grows stronger, our devotion should become very evident. Our devotion will enable us to fulfil what he has called us to do. Acts 2:42-47
2. To Make disciples/be salt and light
Matthew 5:13-16 – "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.
Our own lives should attract others to God. If we give out negative vibes people will stay away from us!
Jesus brought life to people, not criticism. Let us always aim to be a people who have a life-giving spirit. It will revolutionise the way you approach things.
As Christians we should be fun to be around – Jesus was always the centre of attention. People clamoured to be around him and the words he spoke always lifted people to a higher level.
3. To do good works
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
James 2:14-26
Going back to that original verse in Ephesians, God has prepared good works for you and I to do. Look for those opportunities to bless others. Acts of kindness.
Isaiah 32:8 - But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity
How do we fulfil our potential to become a hero for God?
Hebrews 12:1-2 – …let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith
We follow Christ’s example. Become like him – taking on his character:
(Philippians 2 - Humble, displayed God’s love, Life of sacrifice, generous, lifted people up)
I believe God wants to add our lives to his list of heroes so that when we stand before him we can receive his medal of honour.
That kind of devotion will mean...giving certain things up, making sacrifices, pushing through fears, making the decision to trust him completely.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Love Affair III
Excellent time in church this morning…Paul Benger brought the concluding part to our Love Affair series with a great message called ‘Indecent Proposal’. (Podcast)
Romans 8:35-37
There is one thing that never changes...God’s love for us.
Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'
Love your neighbour as yourself...that’s the indecent proposal. Jesus takes this further, Matthew 5:43-44 – You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Three facts about loving your neighbour…
1) We will love our neighbour when we are confident that God loves us
Despite who we are, what we have done, God still loves us. And he loved us first, 1 John 4:19 - We love because he first loved us
Our love is a reflection of God’s love for mankind. Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Being chosen by God must be the best category of people to be in (not the rich or famous category!)
God wants to bring you out of your desolate places. Isaiah 62:4 – No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate...for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married.
2) We will love our neighbour when we appreciate the fact that God loves our neighbour
Understand that God is redeeming his world. He is not willing that any should perish…to bring the world back to himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19 - ...that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We too have been given the job of bringing the world back to God.
It is important that we have intimacy with God and involvement with our world. Not one without the other, otherwise we become lopsided!
3) We will love our neighbour when we learn to love ourselves
‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. Many of us carry a low opinion of ourselves. Maybe because of bad experiences in the past, we have felt devalued in some way.
Some of us have carried criticism that has bee very specific and hurtful. It is important that we praise and encourage one another...and be specific in our praise. Give specific words of encouragement into people’s lives.
Be careful who we listen to...receive encouragement in your life. God loves you and thinks you are amazing! Let us keep our focus on who we are in Christ.
Romans 8:35-37
There is one thing that never changes...God’s love for us.
Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'
Love your neighbour as yourself...that’s the indecent proposal. Jesus takes this further, Matthew 5:43-44 – You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Three facts about loving your neighbour…
1) We will love our neighbour when we are confident that God loves us
Despite who we are, what we have done, God still loves us. And he loved us first, 1 John 4:19 - We love because he first loved us
Our love is a reflection of God’s love for mankind. Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Being chosen by God must be the best category of people to be in (not the rich or famous category!)
God wants to bring you out of your desolate places. Isaiah 62:4 – No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate...for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married.
2) We will love our neighbour when we appreciate the fact that God loves our neighbour
Understand that God is redeeming his world. He is not willing that any should perish…to bring the world back to himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19 - ...that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We too have been given the job of bringing the world back to God.
It is important that we have intimacy with God and involvement with our world. Not one without the other, otherwise we become lopsided!
3) We will love our neighbour when we learn to love ourselves
‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. Many of us carry a low opinion of ourselves. Maybe because of bad experiences in the past, we have felt devalued in some way.
Some of us have carried criticism that has bee very specific and hurtful. It is important that we praise and encourage one another...and be specific in our praise. Give specific words of encouragement into people’s lives.
Be careful who we listen to...receive encouragement in your life. God loves you and thinks you are amazing! Let us keep our focus on who we are in Christ.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Love Affair II
Paul Benger continued our Love Affair series this morning with a great message entitled ‘Love Letter’.
Romans 8:35-37
We need that revelation of God’s love for us. God’s word is his love letter to us...telling us what he thinks about us. We need to read and reread his letter! God loves us, we need to see it and believe it.
Approaches to God’s word...
People deny it – they just don’t believe it…even Christians!
People distort it – twist it to mean something that suits their belief. Take verses out of context and build a whole theology around it.
People dissect it – use it like a science book. Chop it up and delve deeply making it more scientific when faith is needed.
People disregard it – it gathers dust on the shelf. Or they read it but don’t follow its teaching.
The Bible is the Word of God to us. Truths about His word...
1) The Word of God is a “Love Letter” to us
Jeremiah 31:3 - I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself
The Bible tells us of our condition before we come to Christ. That we are rescued from darkness to light, from unforgiveness to forgiveness, from one Kingdom to another. In whatever state we find ourselves His word tells us how much he loves us.
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2) The Word of God is “Light”
A lamp to my feet. Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
We need God to illuminate our lives...to light our path. Not just show us where to go but ‘how’ to go. Out attitudes and actions...how we interact with others.
3) The Word of God is “Lunch”
Jeremiah 15:16 - When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty
Christianity is a diet and exercise thing...it’s not just about digesting his word from the table set before us. It’s about putting his word into practice. Having the revelation but also bringing the revelation to others.
Ephesians 4:11-12 - It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
We are all ministers...we don’t just need a bible study - we need a place to work.
4) The Word of God is “Life”
His word is alive and it comes alive in us! It helps us see the way through in times of trouble. ‘We are more than conquerors’.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart
John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
Romans 8:35-37
We need that revelation of God’s love for us. God’s word is his love letter to us...telling us what he thinks about us. We need to read and reread his letter! God loves us, we need to see it and believe it.
Approaches to God’s word...
People deny it – they just don’t believe it…even Christians!
People distort it – twist it to mean something that suits their belief. Take verses out of context and build a whole theology around it.
People dissect it – use it like a science book. Chop it up and delve deeply making it more scientific when faith is needed.
People disregard it – it gathers dust on the shelf. Or they read it but don’t follow its teaching.
The Bible is the Word of God to us. Truths about His word...
1) The Word of God is a “Love Letter” to us
Jeremiah 31:3 - I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself
The Bible tells us of our condition before we come to Christ. That we are rescued from darkness to light, from unforgiveness to forgiveness, from one Kingdom to another. In whatever state we find ourselves His word tells us how much he loves us.
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2) The Word of God is “Light”
A lamp to my feet. Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
We need God to illuminate our lives...to light our path. Not just show us where to go but ‘how’ to go. Out attitudes and actions...how we interact with others.
3) The Word of God is “Lunch”
Jeremiah 15:16 - When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty
Christianity is a diet and exercise thing...it’s not just about digesting his word from the table set before us. It’s about putting his word into practice. Having the revelation but also bringing the revelation to others.
Ephesians 4:11-12 - It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
We are all ministers...we don’t just need a bible study - we need a place to work.
4) The Word of God is “Life”
His word is alive and it comes alive in us! It helps us see the way through in times of trouble. ‘We are more than conquerors’.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart
John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The Touch of Heaven
Great time in church this morning. I spoke on the 'Touch of Heaven'.
Jesus is the Light of the world and that light of life is within us and it is our mission to light the world wherever we go.
The Message: Matthew 5:13-16, “Let me tell you why you are here…. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.”
We are praying for that ‘touch of Heaven’, His will to be done. The touch of Heaven in us…in our church...that the light of Heaven can shine through us, our church, and so that in turn we become the reflection of Heaven.
Genesis 28:10-17
Heaven is where God is - ‘surely the Lord is in this place’.
The church...to be the gateway to heaven. A place where when people arrive they get that taste, that glimpse of what heaven is going to be like.
Let us think about what Heaven will be like, helping us cement our desire to see God’s Heavenly will being done in our lives and in our church, and help us bring that ‘touch of heaven’.
Heaven...
It is ‘the place’ to be!
When we walk into heaven I am sure it will take our breath away. I believe that church should have the same impact. There should be a sense that when people come in they’ve stepped out of one place into another.
It is a place that is ‘irresistible’
I imagine heaven to be a place that is irresistible. In Psalms there are many references to wanting to be in the presence of God, it talks of thirsting, longing, desiring, yearning.
Psalm 84:2 - ‘My soul longs, yes, even faints, for the courts of the Lord...One day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere’.
Church needs to be more than just part of our weekly routine, and we need to challenge that thought in our lives. It’s the people of God, joining together in worship and adoration of God, bringing and experiencing a touch of heaven on earth.
Psalm 27:4 ‘One thing I ask Lord, that I will seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever’
It is a place of unity
In heaven there is a perfect unity. Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in perfect unity.
All of heaven is united in their worship and adoration of God.
Unity is such a crucial feature of a relevant church and something that we must pursue and guard jealously.
John 17:23 May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
It is a place of excellence
I believe that heaven is a place of excellence and precision.
In everything we do we need to strive for excellence, in how we fulfil our roles being fully committed in whatever we do...excellence in our attitudes and speech, full of positivitey, hope and love, excellence in the presentation there should be no excuse for shabbiness or untidiness.
‘Anything will do’ - that attitude should be out of the window.
‘Excellence is never accidental’ - It will take work and effort but it’s worth it. Isaiah 66:1 - "Heaven is my throne, earth is my footstool. What sort of house could you build for me?”
It is a place of life and passion
I think heaven is full of passion. In your presence is fullness of joy - Psalm 16:11
Revelation 8:1 - When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour!
It is a safe place
Revelation 21:3-4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away
But while we’re here on earth there are tears and there are sorrows. But when people come into this place, they need to experience the safety and security of heaven. We need to ensure that this house is a place where people can draw strength and find protection.
God wants to heal the hurting in people’s lives. As a church we are not here to judge people, we’re not here to condemn them, but our job is to cherish them - to lift the lives of people.
It is a place populated by a people with a Heavenly perspective
Philippians 3:20 - But our citizenship is in heaven.
We are strangers in this world...already citizens of another.
But more than just citizens, ambassadors of that country...representatives.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 – (17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (18) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: (19) that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (20) We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Jesus is the Light of the world and that light of life is within us and it is our mission to light the world wherever we go.
The Message: Matthew 5:13-16, “Let me tell you why you are here…. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.”
We are praying for that ‘touch of Heaven’, His will to be done. The touch of Heaven in us…in our church...that the light of Heaven can shine through us, our church, and so that in turn we become the reflection of Heaven.
Genesis 28:10-17
Heaven is where God is - ‘surely the Lord is in this place’.
The church...to be the gateway to heaven. A place where when people arrive they get that taste, that glimpse of what heaven is going to be like.
Let us think about what Heaven will be like, helping us cement our desire to see God’s Heavenly will being done in our lives and in our church, and help us bring that ‘touch of heaven’.
Heaven...
It is ‘the place’ to be!
When we walk into heaven I am sure it will take our breath away. I believe that church should have the same impact. There should be a sense that when people come in they’ve stepped out of one place into another.
It is a place that is ‘irresistible’
I imagine heaven to be a place that is irresistible. In Psalms there are many references to wanting to be in the presence of God, it talks of thirsting, longing, desiring, yearning.
Psalm 84:2 - ‘My soul longs, yes, even faints, for the courts of the Lord...One day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere’.
Church needs to be more than just part of our weekly routine, and we need to challenge that thought in our lives. It’s the people of God, joining together in worship and adoration of God, bringing and experiencing a touch of heaven on earth.
Psalm 27:4 ‘One thing I ask Lord, that I will seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever’
It is a place of unity
In heaven there is a perfect unity. Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in perfect unity.
All of heaven is united in their worship and adoration of God.
Unity is such a crucial feature of a relevant church and something that we must pursue and guard jealously.
John 17:23 May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
It is a place of excellence
I believe that heaven is a place of excellence and precision.
In everything we do we need to strive for excellence, in how we fulfil our roles being fully committed in whatever we do...excellence in our attitudes and speech, full of positivitey, hope and love, excellence in the presentation there should be no excuse for shabbiness or untidiness.
‘Anything will do’ - that attitude should be out of the window.
‘Excellence is never accidental’ - It will take work and effort but it’s worth it. Isaiah 66:1 - "Heaven is my throne, earth is my footstool. What sort of house could you build for me?”
It is a place of life and passion
I think heaven is full of passion. In your presence is fullness of joy - Psalm 16:11
Revelation 8:1 - When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour!
It is a safe place
Revelation 21:3-4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away
But while we’re here on earth there are tears and there are sorrows. But when people come into this place, they need to experience the safety and security of heaven. We need to ensure that this house is a place where people can draw strength and find protection.
God wants to heal the hurting in people’s lives. As a church we are not here to judge people, we’re not here to condemn them, but our job is to cherish them - to lift the lives of people.
It is a place populated by a people with a Heavenly perspective
Philippians 3:20 - But our citizenship is in heaven.
We are strangers in this world...already citizens of another.
But more than just citizens, ambassadors of that country...representatives.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 – (17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (18) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: (19) that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (20) We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Love Affair I
Paul Benger began what promises to be an excellent series called ‘love affair’ this morning in church. This first part was entitled ‘first love’ or ‘fatal attraction’.
Ever been attracted to something or someone you fell for, but it was a ‘fatal attraction’?
Romans 8:35-37
Sometimes we may feel like we are separated from his love. But the Bible is very clear that God loves us. His love is unfailing, unending, consistent and constant. We should never doubt it.
Only when we fully appreciate the love of God for us can we fully love other people and correctly represent his love.
Jesus was secure in the love the Father had for him. Jesus wants us to remain in that love. John 15:9 – As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
Whatever state we find ourselves in God loves us. He wants to change the life of people.
Why do we doubt the love of God? 5 reasons why...
1) Stuff happens in life
This often makes us question the love of god, as we experience failures, upsets, sickness etc. We feel let down as ‘stuff happens’. When the trivial stuff happens as well as the serious, we ask does God really love me?
2) We believe the lies told about us
There is too much disbelief around us, it can cling to us like tar. Jesus wants to wash that away, he believes the very best for us and wants to do so much in our lives. As a church we believe in the best of people and we want to see lives lifted up and God to set people free and to become all that He wants them to be.
3) We have an enemy who wants to keep us from what God wants for us
We have an ‘accuser’ saying that we’re not good enough. We need to make a decision today...to believe what God says about us.
4) We don’t feel it
Live by faith not by our feelings.
5) Sometimes it is because of what we’ve been taught
We may have been taught in the past that ‘God is looking for anyway he can to get out of blessing us’ – the opposite is true. He wants to get you to a place where you can receive blessing.
Reasons why we should never doubt...
He loved us first
Right at creation, he set in motion his plan for bringing us back to him.
1 John 4:19 – We love because he first loved us
God is love
It’s his nature, his character. He isn’t ‘hate’, he isn’t ‘begrudging’ – He is LOVE.
1 John 4:8 – Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love
Jesus
Jesus is the demonstration of his love for us. 1 John 4:10 -This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life
Scripture shouts it!
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love (John 15:9)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you (John 15:12)
No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God (John 16:27)
Reasons we can be sure of the love of God...
We can know total forgiveness
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12) Not partial – Total
We can overcome fear
God’s perfect love casts out all fear.
1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love
We know that God will use for our good every situation and circumstance
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)
We live every day under God’s grace and favour
Everyday! Ephesians 2:4-5 – But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.
We can rebuild God’s image in our lives
Leave today believing what God says about you!
We can overcome the enemy’s accusations in life.
Ever been attracted to something or someone you fell for, but it was a ‘fatal attraction’?
Romans 8:35-37
Sometimes we may feel like we are separated from his love. But the Bible is very clear that God loves us. His love is unfailing, unending, consistent and constant. We should never doubt it.
Only when we fully appreciate the love of God for us can we fully love other people and correctly represent his love.
Jesus was secure in the love the Father had for him. Jesus wants us to remain in that love. John 15:9 – As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
Whatever state we find ourselves in God loves us. He wants to change the life of people.
Why do we doubt the love of God? 5 reasons why...
1) Stuff happens in life
This often makes us question the love of god, as we experience failures, upsets, sickness etc. We feel let down as ‘stuff happens’. When the trivial stuff happens as well as the serious, we ask does God really love me?
2) We believe the lies told about us
There is too much disbelief around us, it can cling to us like tar. Jesus wants to wash that away, he believes the very best for us and wants to do so much in our lives. As a church we believe in the best of people and we want to see lives lifted up and God to set people free and to become all that He wants them to be.
3) We have an enemy who wants to keep us from what God wants for us
We have an ‘accuser’ saying that we’re not good enough. We need to make a decision today...to believe what God says about us.
4) We don’t feel it
Live by faith not by our feelings.
5) Sometimes it is because of what we’ve been taught
We may have been taught in the past that ‘God is looking for anyway he can to get out of blessing us’ – the opposite is true. He wants to get you to a place where you can receive blessing.
Reasons why we should never doubt...
He loved us first
Right at creation, he set in motion his plan for bringing us back to him.
1 John 4:19 – We love because he first loved us
God is love
It’s his nature, his character. He isn’t ‘hate’, he isn’t ‘begrudging’ – He is LOVE.
1 John 4:8 – Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love
Jesus
Jesus is the demonstration of his love for us. 1 John 4:10 -This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life
Scripture shouts it!
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love (John 15:9)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you (John 15:12)
No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God (John 16:27)
Reasons we can be sure of the love of God...
We can know total forgiveness
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12) Not partial – Total
We can overcome fear
God’s perfect love casts out all fear.
1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love
We know that God will use for our good every situation and circumstance
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)
We live every day under God’s grace and favour
Everyday! Ephesians 2:4-5 – But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.
We can rebuild God’s image in our lives
Leave today believing what God says about you!
We can overcome the enemy’s accusations in life.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Be Real
Great to be back in church this morning after our summer holiday. Jeannie Benger brought an excellent message on ‘being real’.
The world is looking for reality. Look at all the reality TV shows around at the moment. People also looking to see reality in the church as well. They want to see us being real and normal. Throughout our whole lives and not just something we switch-on on a Sunday. A people of integrity...something different about us.
The most exciting, fun kind of people because of what Christ has done in our lives.
Ephesians 4:22-24 – Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
New creations with a new abundant life. John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Not a ‘plodding along kind of life’ but life to its full capacity.
A life lived out that impacts the area where we live and are reaching out to as a church.
Here are some keys to living a ‘real life’, an abundant life that impacts the world around us.
God wants us to be ‘Whole’
Only God can make our lives whole, make us complete. When we allow him into our lives. John 5:6 – Do you want to be whole?
Are we ready for what comes with wholeness? Where attitudes need to be changed.
One small unresolved issue can hinder us from reaching our full potential. As we become whole we can help others and lift them to their full potential.
God wants us to be ‘Loyal’
He wants us to show loyalty. To be faithful and committed people in every area of our lives. Live life with family. John 15:13 - Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times
The strength of a good friend is unconditional love. Where we defend and honour one another. Where we believe in one another. We believe the atmosphere in our church is like that.
God wants us to have a ‘Merry Heart’
We need to have a hearty sense of humour. We can often take life far too seriously. Humour is one of life’s greatest medicines.
Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones
A house filled with laughter will be a healthy home, a healthy church. Church should be enjoyed and not endured. Christians should be the happiest people on the earth and probably the funniest!
Psalm 100:2 – Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs
Psalm 144:15 – Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.
The world is looking for reality. Look at all the reality TV shows around at the moment. People also looking to see reality in the church as well. They want to see us being real and normal. Throughout our whole lives and not just something we switch-on on a Sunday. A people of integrity...something different about us.
The most exciting, fun kind of people because of what Christ has done in our lives.
Ephesians 4:22-24 – Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
New creations with a new abundant life. John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Not a ‘plodding along kind of life’ but life to its full capacity.
A life lived out that impacts the area where we live and are reaching out to as a church.
Here are some keys to living a ‘real life’, an abundant life that impacts the world around us.
God wants us to be ‘Whole’
Only God can make our lives whole, make us complete. When we allow him into our lives. John 5:6 – Do you want to be whole?
Are we ready for what comes with wholeness? Where attitudes need to be changed.
One small unresolved issue can hinder us from reaching our full potential. As we become whole we can help others and lift them to their full potential.
God wants us to be ‘Loyal’
He wants us to show loyalty. To be faithful and committed people in every area of our lives. Live life with family. John 15:13 - Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times
The strength of a good friend is unconditional love. Where we defend and honour one another. Where we believe in one another. We believe the atmosphere in our church is like that.
God wants us to have a ‘Merry Heart’
We need to have a hearty sense of humour. We can often take life far too seriously. Humour is one of life’s greatest medicines.
Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones
A house filled with laughter will be a healthy home, a healthy church. Church should be enjoyed and not endured. Christians should be the happiest people on the earth and probably the funniest!
Psalm 100:2 – Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs
Psalm 144:15 – Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Partners
Simon Wood spoke a positive word this morning in church on ‘partnership’ – partnering with God and with each other...to see the church impacting our area.
John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing
When people hear the word ‘church’ we want people to think and see what church should be like, a place of hope, love and faith. A revelation of his glory...the church.
Psalm 16:11 - You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
We all have a role to play, connected to the ‘vine’, connected to each other to impact our world through ‘partnership’.
Let us bring hope to others as God works in us and through us. Let him change us to reflect his glory. He will make us fruitful as we remain connected to him.
Colossians 1:27 - To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory
Think of seeds. All plants have different ways to disperse their seeds. As we share the hope and good news with others our seeds might not stick, but other people’s seeds will.
As we grow and flourish people will see that and become connected themselves.
As we receive God’s word, his wisdom, this will empower us. We also need to partner with the Holy Spirit to receive his power and all the encouragement we need to get God’s will done…and to give us His word.
John 14:26 - But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you
Like God, we have a big heart for our world. As we have received his love, let us give that out to our world. Romans 5:5 - And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing
When people hear the word ‘church’ we want people to think and see what church should be like, a place of hope, love and faith. A revelation of his glory...the church.
Psalm 16:11 - You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
We all have a role to play, connected to the ‘vine’, connected to each other to impact our world through ‘partnership’.
Let us bring hope to others as God works in us and through us. Let him change us to reflect his glory. He will make us fruitful as we remain connected to him.
Colossians 1:27 - To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory
Think of seeds. All plants have different ways to disperse their seeds. As we share the hope and good news with others our seeds might not stick, but other people’s seeds will.
As we grow and flourish people will see that and become connected themselves.
As we receive God’s word, his wisdom, this will empower us. We also need to partner with the Holy Spirit to receive his power and all the encouragement we need to get God’s will done…and to give us His word.
John 14:26 - But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you
Like God, we have a big heart for our world. As we have received his love, let us give that out to our world. Romans 5:5 - And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
God Unlimited
Great time in church this morning. The place was busy with so many people and with a good number away on their summer hols! Paul Benger brought an excellent word entitled ‘God Unlimited’.
Isaiah 54:1-3 – (1) Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labour; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband, says the Lord. (2) Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. (3) For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.
Limitation is incredibly frustrating. We need to take the limits off of God in our lives. Our lives may feel limited at times - we can reach so high but no higher...so far but no further. It’s like living with a ‘limiter’ in our lives.
Serving God can be fun and prosperous. Don’t limit God. Never say ‘I will always be sick’ or ‘the church will never have influence’. Christian influence has led the way over the centuries. In medicine, caring, education, social justice.
God is saying, ‘don’t limit me’. How do we limit God? By not believing all that He said he would do.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Take the limits off!
Two trains of thought - that God is sovereign, that He is in control. Also that God has given us responsibility for our world. These two thoughts have battled against each other through time. God wants to partner with us in seeing his will being done, that is why we pray ‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done’.
Three promises from these verses in Isaiah 54 – the 3 E’s. God wants to...
Expand us – Our desire for the church is that we will grow, get bigger. That you will get bigger.
Empower us – power from His word for the whole week, the whole of the time.
Equip us – Equipped to live our lives.
1) You shall expand, Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
2) You will inherit, Isaiah 54:3 – We will inherit the nations
God is a rewarder. Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
God doesn’t gazump us! We don’t just receive back the measure we give...but more!
3) You will inhabit the desolate place. God is a restorer. He restores broken lives, dreams, destiny’s.
5 things (from Isaiah 54:1-3) that help us to take the limits off God.
1) Get a bigger plot
A bigger footprint! See a bigger future…buy some land! Enlarge the place of your tent (Vs 2) A time to rejoice, to see what God can do. Prophesy it! Change your thinking (Romans 12:2). Bigger people build a bigger world. You need a bigger plot, we (the church) needs a bigger plot!
2) Do more
Or do something! Stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back (Vs 2) Remember though our identity is in God, not what we do. But to bring the Kingdom of God into our world, to see His will being done, has an incredible amount to do with what we do.
3) Be generous
Spare not (Vs 2) – live with a generous attitude and spirit. Don’t limit God...i.e. don't be limited because we don’t have.
4) Build lasting relationships with the right people
Lengthen your chords (Vs 2) – Together we take the Kingdom forward. We change into the people we connect with. The power of fellowship.
5) Stay loyal to your commitments
Strengthen your stakes (Vs 2) – stay loyal to the people God has put you with. Need to stay connected.
Isaiah 54:1-3 – (1) Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labour; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband, says the Lord. (2) Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. (3) For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.
Limitation is incredibly frustrating. We need to take the limits off of God in our lives. Our lives may feel limited at times - we can reach so high but no higher...so far but no further. It’s like living with a ‘limiter’ in our lives.
Serving God can be fun and prosperous. Don’t limit God. Never say ‘I will always be sick’ or ‘the church will never have influence’. Christian influence has led the way over the centuries. In medicine, caring, education, social justice.
God is saying, ‘don’t limit me’. How do we limit God? By not believing all that He said he would do.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Take the limits off!
Two trains of thought - that God is sovereign, that He is in control. Also that God has given us responsibility for our world. These two thoughts have battled against each other through time. God wants to partner with us in seeing his will being done, that is why we pray ‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done’.
Three promises from these verses in Isaiah 54 – the 3 E’s. God wants to...
Expand us – Our desire for the church is that we will grow, get bigger. That you will get bigger.
Empower us – power from His word for the whole week, the whole of the time.
Equip us – Equipped to live our lives.
1) You shall expand, Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
2) You will inherit, Isaiah 54:3 – We will inherit the nations
God is a rewarder. Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
God doesn’t gazump us! We don’t just receive back the measure we give...but more!
3) You will inhabit the desolate place. God is a restorer. He restores broken lives, dreams, destiny’s.
5 things (from Isaiah 54:1-3) that help us to take the limits off God.
1) Get a bigger plot
A bigger footprint! See a bigger future…buy some land! Enlarge the place of your tent (Vs 2) A time to rejoice, to see what God can do. Prophesy it! Change your thinking (Romans 12:2). Bigger people build a bigger world. You need a bigger plot, we (the church) needs a bigger plot!
2) Do more
Or do something! Stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back (Vs 2) Remember though our identity is in God, not what we do. But to bring the Kingdom of God into our world, to see His will being done, has an incredible amount to do with what we do.
3) Be generous
Spare not (Vs 2) – live with a generous attitude and spirit. Don’t limit God...i.e. don't be limited because we don’t have.
4) Build lasting relationships with the right people
Lengthen your chords (Vs 2) – Together we take the Kingdom forward. We change into the people we connect with. The power of fellowship.
5) Stay loyal to your commitments
Strengthen your stakes (Vs 2) – stay loyal to the people God has put you with. Need to stay connected.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Destinations IV
We completed our Destinations series this morning in church. I spoke on ‘Don’t Walk Alone’.
Life is a journey, often travelled alone (living for self only). What is our chosen path?
Follow Christ – let him be our Lord and Guide. Make Him Lord of your life.
But it’s not just ‘me and Jesus’ as we travel along our chosen path...it is ‘you’ me and Jesus.
We can be in ‘community’ but it can still be just ‘me and Jesus’. Right from the beginning (Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for man to be alone) – this was God’s intention.
“… so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” (Romans 12:5)
This picture of the Body ruins any argument that the Christian life can be lived in isolation. God created you and I to live and grow within a community of Christians.
5 reasons why we don’t walk this road alone
1) I need others to walk with me
The Christian life is often described as a walk. This is because it has motion. It is not just an inactive status (inertia). It is an ongoing life. Growing, becoming more like Christ, changed from glory to glory.
Therefore Paul says in Colossians 2:6-7 - As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Three reasons why we need to carry out our Christian walk with others.
For safety – It is safer to walk with other people.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
For support - The shared life is not only safer it also has more support. Have you ever tried to do any serious exercise by yourself? Running partners are important. Helps us in our consistency and commitment to training. Find someone who will come alongside you to ask you hard questions about yourself, encourage you, and challenge you.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
It’s Smarter. Travelling together is also smarter.
Proverbs 11:14 - “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”
What is true for a nation is also true for us as individuals. If we are living life with other people, we can lean upon their advice and wisdom when needed.
Community is God’s answer to loneliness. He wants us to be connected with others.
2) I need others to work with me
Even before we were born God planned certain things he wanted you and me to do. This is what God designed us for. But he didn’t design us to work alone. “Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.”
“Every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:10
3) I need others to watch out for me
We each need people who will defend us, protect us, stand up for us, warn us when we’re getting off the right path. We need people who will watch out for us.
Philippians 2:4 – Look out for one another's interests, not just for your own
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Community is God’s answer to defeat
4) I need others to wait for me (and sometimes weep with me)
1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathise with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude
Every path has a puddle! We need one another when face those times in our lives
1 Corinthians 12:26 - If one member suffers, all suffer together
Paul says in Galatians 6:1, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
Community is God’s answer to despair
5) I need others to encourage me
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 – (11) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (12) Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. (13) Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (14) And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (15) Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else
Have you ever known someone who believed in you, someone who frequently spoke words of encouragement and praise? The kind of person who made you feel you could do it, whatever "it" was? That’s the kind of person God wants us to be.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29)
Community is God’s answer to discouragement
Hebrews 10:23-25 – (23) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (24) And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. (25) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Stick to the road you are on...no swerving allowed! But how are they to do this? How can they stay on track? Being committed to meeting together so that they can encourage one another.
Let us not walk alone.
Let’s travel together towards our destination - our great future in God.
Encourage/spur one another on!
Life is a journey, often travelled alone (living for self only). What is our chosen path?
Follow Christ – let him be our Lord and Guide. Make Him Lord of your life.
But it’s not just ‘me and Jesus’ as we travel along our chosen path...it is ‘you’ me and Jesus.
We can be in ‘community’ but it can still be just ‘me and Jesus’. Right from the beginning (Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for man to be alone) – this was God’s intention.
“… so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” (Romans 12:5)
This picture of the Body ruins any argument that the Christian life can be lived in isolation. God created you and I to live and grow within a community of Christians.
5 reasons why we don’t walk this road alone
1) I need others to walk with me
The Christian life is often described as a walk. This is because it has motion. It is not just an inactive status (inertia). It is an ongoing life. Growing, becoming more like Christ, changed from glory to glory.
Therefore Paul says in Colossians 2:6-7 - As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Three reasons why we need to carry out our Christian walk with others.
For safety – It is safer to walk with other people.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
For support - The shared life is not only safer it also has more support. Have you ever tried to do any serious exercise by yourself? Running partners are important. Helps us in our consistency and commitment to training. Find someone who will come alongside you to ask you hard questions about yourself, encourage you, and challenge you.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
It’s Smarter. Travelling together is also smarter.
Proverbs 11:14 - “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”
What is true for a nation is also true for us as individuals. If we are living life with other people, we can lean upon their advice and wisdom when needed.
Community is God’s answer to loneliness. He wants us to be connected with others.
2) I need others to work with me
Even before we were born God planned certain things he wanted you and me to do. This is what God designed us for. But he didn’t design us to work alone. “Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.”
“Every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:10
3) I need others to watch out for me
We each need people who will defend us, protect us, stand up for us, warn us when we’re getting off the right path. We need people who will watch out for us.
Philippians 2:4 – Look out for one another's interests, not just for your own
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Community is God’s answer to defeat
4) I need others to wait for me (and sometimes weep with me)
1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathise with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude
Every path has a puddle! We need one another when face those times in our lives
1 Corinthians 12:26 - If one member suffers, all suffer together
Paul says in Galatians 6:1, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
Community is God’s answer to despair
5) I need others to encourage me
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 – (11) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (12) Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. (13) Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (14) And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (15) Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else
Have you ever known someone who believed in you, someone who frequently spoke words of encouragement and praise? The kind of person who made you feel you could do it, whatever "it" was? That’s the kind of person God wants us to be.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29)
Community is God’s answer to discouragement
Hebrews 10:23-25 – (23) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (24) And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. (25) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Stick to the road you are on...no swerving allowed! But how are they to do this? How can they stay on track? Being committed to meeting together so that they can encourage one another.
Let us not walk alone.
Let’s travel together towards our destination - our great future in God.
Encourage/spur one another on!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Destinations III
We had the third in our ‘Destinations’ series this morning in church. Paul Benger brought a great message entitled ‘Lean Not’.
Proverbs 22:3, 27:12 – A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
The decisions that we make today are important in determining the direction that we go. Sometimes we need more than just good information to help us make the right choices. Sometimes we get the right information, good wisdom, and still choose not to heed it.
King Solomon was asked by God, ‘You can have one thing…what would you have me do for you?’ Solomon chose wisdom. 1 Kings 3:12 - I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be
What do we need to do more than anything, even more than just having good information?
Proverbs 3:5-7 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
1) Trust in the Lord with all your heart
In every area of life - leaning to God. It’s not just about having good information, your skills, your abilities. It’s about us putting all of our confidence and hope in the person of God. He knows everything past, present and future – he has all the information we will ever need.
2) Lean not on your own understanding
We don’t have all the answers - but God does. Lean into God. Your way isn’t always the best way. Read the manual, don’t trust in your own understanding. Submission to God helps us in life.
3) In all your ways acknowledge Him
Home, marriage, finances, career, relationships – every part of our lives.
4) He will make your paths straight
He will direct your paths. Submission comes before direction.
Live with submission. Even Solomon trusted his own wisdom and got it wrong. Information is not enough, we need a Saviour to submit to. Sometimes pride can override wisdom, if we are not careful. Arrogance will eventually overcome common sense. We need God, to submit to Him.
Concerning submission, 5 important things...
1) Make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life
2) Make time with God a daily pleasure
3) Keep a ‘God knows best’ attitude
4) Never believe the enemy’s lies about God and you
5) Surrender your circumstances to God and trust Him
The key to making a good decision = Submission
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
Proverbs 22:3, 27:12 – A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
The decisions that we make today are important in determining the direction that we go. Sometimes we need more than just good information to help us make the right choices. Sometimes we get the right information, good wisdom, and still choose not to heed it.
King Solomon was asked by God, ‘You can have one thing…what would you have me do for you?’ Solomon chose wisdom. 1 Kings 3:12 - I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be
What do we need to do more than anything, even more than just having good information?
Proverbs 3:5-7 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
1) Trust in the Lord with all your heart
In every area of life - leaning to God. It’s not just about having good information, your skills, your abilities. It’s about us putting all of our confidence and hope in the person of God. He knows everything past, present and future – he has all the information we will ever need.
2) Lean not on your own understanding
We don’t have all the answers - but God does. Lean into God. Your way isn’t always the best way. Read the manual, don’t trust in your own understanding. Submission to God helps us in life.
3) In all your ways acknowledge Him
Home, marriage, finances, career, relationships – every part of our lives.
4) He will make your paths straight
He will direct your paths. Submission comes before direction.
Live with submission. Even Solomon trusted his own wisdom and got it wrong. Information is not enough, we need a Saviour to submit to. Sometimes pride can override wisdom, if we are not careful. Arrogance will eventually overcome common sense. We need God, to submit to Him.
Concerning submission, 5 important things...
1) Make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life
2) Make time with God a daily pleasure
3) Keep a ‘God knows best’ attitude
4) Never believe the enemy’s lies about God and you
5) Surrender your circumstances to God and trust Him
The key to making a good decision = Submission
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Destinations II
Jeannie Benger continued our Destinations series this morning with an excellent message entitled ‘Looking Ahead’.
Have you ever ended up in the wrong place? Better planning before we leave for our destination is so important to avoid this.
Matthew 25:14-30
The key verse we are looking at is in verse 21, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’
It is important that we plan and look ahead when we think of our future. This is so true when it comes to God’s Kingdom that we plan and prepare for the future. Position yourself where God can take you there.
Always start something with the end in mind. We need to know where we are going. It will be great to end with God saying, ‘well done good and faithful servant’.
Don’t say ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ – tomorrow will not do! Use your time well with what time you have.
Is the path that you’re on going to take you where you want to go?
5 road signs what will help guide us in travelling the path that God wants us to travel...
Well – God wants us to finish well. Excellence is so important. God deserves the very best. It’s not ‘anything will do’ anymore. Our God is generous in every way and we are made in his image. Strive for excellence. It’s not just how we do it but it is about having an attitude of excellence. Being wholehearted. We want to be noted as a church that gives God the very best.
Done – Being fruitful is so important in where we are going. It is not an option. We are here to build the Kingdom of God, to impact our world.
Matthew 7:16-17 - By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
We want to encourage fruitfulness, fruit that the world will see and say, ‘I want what they’ve got’.
Good – Character is so important. Make sure you’re not in a position where your character cannot keep you. Be trustworthy, love people, honour people.
Faithful – Be loyal in your relationships. Friendships, marriage, church and with God. Be planted in God’s house where you will flourish. It is important that we are together. Loyalty and faithfulness is the very essence of God’s character. His love for us never changes. Loyalty and faithfulness are great qualities for us to cultivate in our lives. Proverbs 19:22 - Loyalty makes a person attractive
Servant – We need to have the heart of a servant. It is a privilege to serve. Serve the Lord with gladness – Psalm 100:6
1 Timothy 6:18 - Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share
Don’t do things grudgingly. Love God’s house. Serve out of a spirit of gladness.
Servanthood is central to our biblical lifestyle. It is all about attitude and not about position. Jesus placed high value on servanthood. He washed the disciple’s feet. Just like Jesus – seize the moment to serve. It is not about position but about passion. Passion for others, to serve, to bless, to lift the lives of others. Service is worship and not a chore.
Follow the road signs and reach your God given destination!
Have you ever ended up in the wrong place? Better planning before we leave for our destination is so important to avoid this.
Matthew 25:14-30
The key verse we are looking at is in verse 21, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’
It is important that we plan and look ahead when we think of our future. This is so true when it comes to God’s Kingdom that we plan and prepare for the future. Position yourself where God can take you there.
Always start something with the end in mind. We need to know where we are going. It will be great to end with God saying, ‘well done good and faithful servant’.
Don’t say ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ – tomorrow will not do! Use your time well with what time you have.
Is the path that you’re on going to take you where you want to go?
5 road signs what will help guide us in travelling the path that God wants us to travel...
Well – God wants us to finish well. Excellence is so important. God deserves the very best. It’s not ‘anything will do’ anymore. Our God is generous in every way and we are made in his image. Strive for excellence. It’s not just how we do it but it is about having an attitude of excellence. Being wholehearted. We want to be noted as a church that gives God the very best.
Done – Being fruitful is so important in where we are going. It is not an option. We are here to build the Kingdom of God, to impact our world.
Matthew 7:16-17 - By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
We want to encourage fruitfulness, fruit that the world will see and say, ‘I want what they’ve got’.
Good – Character is so important. Make sure you’re not in a position where your character cannot keep you. Be trustworthy, love people, honour people.
Faithful – Be loyal in your relationships. Friendships, marriage, church and with God. Be planted in God’s house where you will flourish. It is important that we are together. Loyalty and faithfulness is the very essence of God’s character. His love for us never changes. Loyalty and faithfulness are great qualities for us to cultivate in our lives. Proverbs 19:22 - Loyalty makes a person attractive
Servant – We need to have the heart of a servant. It is a privilege to serve. Serve the Lord with gladness – Psalm 100:6
1 Timothy 6:18 - Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share
Don’t do things grudgingly. Love God’s house. Serve out of a spirit of gladness.
Servanthood is central to our biblical lifestyle. It is all about attitude and not about position. Jesus placed high value on servanthood. He washed the disciple’s feet. Just like Jesus – seize the moment to serve. It is not about position but about passion. Passion for others, to serve, to bless, to lift the lives of others. Service is worship and not a chore.
Follow the road signs and reach your God given destination!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Destinations I
We kicked of our new four part series this morning called ‘Destinations’. Paul Benger began with a great opener, ‘The Principle of the Path’.
People don’t get lost on purpose. They don’t set out to get lost in life. Everybody sets out for good. You don’t know you’re lost when you’re getting lost.
Whatever road you’re on determines where you end up. Our path determines our destination. This principle applies geographically but also in life.
It is never our intention or even our dreams that determines our destination. Our good intentions do not trump our chosen direction. Broken lives would not have happened had different paths been chosen or they had changed the direction they were going.
Proverbs 7:6-27
The young man chose the wrong path, the path that led to destruction.
Three thoughts about the Principle of the Path
1) Watch out for the disconnection that our culture feeds us
It is the path we choose, not our hopes and dreams or good intentions, that determine our destination. We may need to change the path we are on.
Choose a path of generosity, God is pleased with us when we choose certain paths.
Choose the path of spiritual growth. Choose to put God first in all that we do.
Choose the path of changing our world, not global, but our world is all those around us - our families, friends, workplace, school.
Choose paths of forgiveness, of integrity. All these paths lead to greatness.
Let us make the connection...don’t be disconnected.
2) Make sure our hearts are fixed and steadfast
Don’t get drawn away, enticed away to a path of destruction (like the young man in the Proverb)
King David chose a wrong path and was heading for destruction. This was his cry to get back on the right path again, Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me
Give me a steadfast, fixed spirit. An attitude that is not going to waver. Don’t get tossed back and forth by the winds and waves. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Even when others come and try to blow us off course - remain steadfast. David also experienced this.
Psalm 57:6-7 – They spread a net for my feet - I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path - but they have fallen into it themselves. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
3) We need to remember the principle of the path – that it is the direction not our intention that determines our destination
Is this the right path we are on? Let us make sure we are on God’s right path for our lives. Heading in the direction he wants us to go.
People don’t get lost on purpose. They don’t set out to get lost in life. Everybody sets out for good. You don’t know you’re lost when you’re getting lost.
Whatever road you’re on determines where you end up. Our path determines our destination. This principle applies geographically but also in life.
It is never our intention or even our dreams that determines our destination. Our good intentions do not trump our chosen direction. Broken lives would not have happened had different paths been chosen or they had changed the direction they were going.
Proverbs 7:6-27
The young man chose the wrong path, the path that led to destruction.
Three thoughts about the Principle of the Path
1) Watch out for the disconnection that our culture feeds us
It is the path we choose, not our hopes and dreams or good intentions, that determine our destination. We may need to change the path we are on.
Choose a path of generosity, God is pleased with us when we choose certain paths.
Choose the path of spiritual growth. Choose to put God first in all that we do.
Choose the path of changing our world, not global, but our world is all those around us - our families, friends, workplace, school.
Choose paths of forgiveness, of integrity. All these paths lead to greatness.
Let us make the connection...don’t be disconnected.
2) Make sure our hearts are fixed and steadfast
Don’t get drawn away, enticed away to a path of destruction (like the young man in the Proverb)
King David chose a wrong path and was heading for destruction. This was his cry to get back on the right path again, Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me
Give me a steadfast, fixed spirit. An attitude that is not going to waver. Don’t get tossed back and forth by the winds and waves. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Even when others come and try to blow us off course - remain steadfast. David also experienced this.
Psalm 57:6-7 – They spread a net for my feet - I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path - but they have fallen into it themselves. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
3) We need to remember the principle of the path – that it is the direction not our intention that determines our destination
Is this the right path we are on? Let us make sure we are on God’s right path for our lives. Heading in the direction he wants us to go.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Good Times Bad Times
Mark Wilkins spoke in church today. A message that encouraged us to remember God’s faithfulness and his great plan and destiny for all of us amidst the ebb and flow of life.
We know that life can be good but at times not so good. God wants the very best for us. God is good and life is good and yet we live in a ‘fallen world’.
Ephesians 1:11 – Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
He has a plan for each of us, to achieve all that we can in him.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
We each have a destiny but we also experience the ebb and flow of life. We face the experiences of a fallen world and we can find ourselves in ‘down’ times. The danger is that we can end up staying there in those places of despair, even when these times should only last for a season.
Remember that God is with us and wants to bring us out of those places, he doesn’t want us to stay there. In the mourning and down time experiences.
Two characters in the Bible that illustrates this truth.
Joseph - There were times in Joseph’s life where he should have experienced incredible despair. The most favoured of sons, God had a great plan and purpose for his life. His brothers, out of jealousy, plotted against him and sold him into slavery.
Amidst all of this he could have fallen into despair feeling that God had left him and began to wonder whether or not his vision for his future would ever come to pass.
Wondering whether or not he would ever fulfil God’s plan for his life.
Joseph’s attitude was always good and positive. He became a ‘great’ servant in Egypt serving Potiphar well. Even after ending up in prison because of Potiphar’s wife’s accusations he still remained faithful to God’s calling upon his life, using the gifts that God had given him in his ‘down’ time experiences.
He did become ruler of Egypt and his family came back to him and bowed down before him. He fulfilled his destiny.
Let us stay faithful to God with what God has given us and called us to do, even amidst troubled times. God is still able to use us and lift us out of despair and take us to where he wants us to go.
Nehemiah – Also had a God given purpose. To rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There were no dreams or striking visions…God just laid this calling upon his heart. He had to approach the King and share his sadness at the state of the walls. God began to work in the situation and Nehemiah received the support of the authorities.
He went down to the walls and saw the daunting task before him. But God was with him.
He was mocked and plotted against by the people against the rebuilding. Nehemiah kept praying and seeking God. God answered and frustrated the plotters. Even the workforce began to experience difficulties of poverty and famine.
Throughout this time Nehemiah could have question his calling. Had he got it wrong? But he overcame the doubts and kept pressing on.
Never lose sight of your objective, what God has given you.
2 Corinthians 11:23-27
The Apostle Paul also saw incredible tribulations. But he had a sight of the goal, and to keep serving God.
He wrote the book of Ephesians...an incredibly uplifting book...from prison! He knew that God was with him as he served God’s purposes.
He had his eyes set on the end, even amidst hardship.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 – (6) As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (8) And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
We know that life can be good but at times not so good. God wants the very best for us. God is good and life is good and yet we live in a ‘fallen world’.
Ephesians 1:11 – Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
He has a plan for each of us, to achieve all that we can in him.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
We each have a destiny but we also experience the ebb and flow of life. We face the experiences of a fallen world and we can find ourselves in ‘down’ times. The danger is that we can end up staying there in those places of despair, even when these times should only last for a season.
Remember that God is with us and wants to bring us out of those places, he doesn’t want us to stay there. In the mourning and down time experiences.
Two characters in the Bible that illustrates this truth.
Joseph - There were times in Joseph’s life where he should have experienced incredible despair. The most favoured of sons, God had a great plan and purpose for his life. His brothers, out of jealousy, plotted against him and sold him into slavery.
Amidst all of this he could have fallen into despair feeling that God had left him and began to wonder whether or not his vision for his future would ever come to pass.
Wondering whether or not he would ever fulfil God’s plan for his life.
Joseph’s attitude was always good and positive. He became a ‘great’ servant in Egypt serving Potiphar well. Even after ending up in prison because of Potiphar’s wife’s accusations he still remained faithful to God’s calling upon his life, using the gifts that God had given him in his ‘down’ time experiences.
He did become ruler of Egypt and his family came back to him and bowed down before him. He fulfilled his destiny.
Let us stay faithful to God with what God has given us and called us to do, even amidst troubled times. God is still able to use us and lift us out of despair and take us to where he wants us to go.
Nehemiah – Also had a God given purpose. To rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There were no dreams or striking visions…God just laid this calling upon his heart. He had to approach the King and share his sadness at the state of the walls. God began to work in the situation and Nehemiah received the support of the authorities.
He went down to the walls and saw the daunting task before him. But God was with him.
He was mocked and plotted against by the people against the rebuilding. Nehemiah kept praying and seeking God. God answered and frustrated the plotters. Even the workforce began to experience difficulties of poverty and famine.
Throughout this time Nehemiah could have question his calling. Had he got it wrong? But he overcame the doubts and kept pressing on.
Never lose sight of your objective, what God has given you.
2 Corinthians 11:23-27
The Apostle Paul also saw incredible tribulations. But he had a sight of the goal, and to keep serving God.
He wrote the book of Ephesians...an incredibly uplifting book...from prison! He knew that God was with him as he served God’s purposes.
He had his eyes set on the end, even amidst hardship.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 – (6) As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (8) And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
A People of the Word
Great time in church today, Paul Benger completed an excellent two part series on faith with ‘A People of the Word’. (Podcast available)
Without faith it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
Faith is the only currency of Heaven. With heaven we only trade with ‘faith’. Faith is believing what God has said and living from that place where God is for us and wants us to do well.
Ever found yourself arguing with the ‘Sat-Nav’? Thinking you know a better way.
Sometimes we can find ourselves arguing with God believing we know the way to go, the way to live our lives. God knows best! It is a foolish thing to do...to switch off God in our lives.
Proverbs 14:12 – There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death
God is not a killjoy. He knows the end from the beginning. Isaiah 46:10 – I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
Trust God that he knows best for your life. Don’t live in the James Brown zone, it must be all right because ‘I feel good’. God wants to lead us and direct our paths away from destruction.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
His word will lead us to the best life, the best experiences.
4 requirements for being a people of God’s word...
1) Allow God’s word to speak the loudest
We need to decide who is going to have the loudest voice in our lives. Whoever is speaking the loudest is going to direct us.
Psalm 119:11 – I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you
We are hearing all kinds of messages, many voices in the media. They are becoming louder and clearer. Some good, some not so good. Let God’s word be the loudest voice in our lives.
2) Know that God has your best interests in mind
God is always for us, wanting to lift our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
3) Know that God’s word will produce fruit
In an ‘instant minded world’ it is important for us to understand the sowing and reaping principle.
Isaiah 55:10-11 – As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
When we act upon God’s word after hearing it, receiving it and believing it, we will produce fruit. Sometimes we also need to take a stand, not to give up, to be belligerent, defiant, obstreperous!
4) Trust that God knows best
On our journey in life let God show us the right direction to go...He knows best!
Without faith it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
Faith is the only currency of Heaven. With heaven we only trade with ‘faith’. Faith is believing what God has said and living from that place where God is for us and wants us to do well.
Ever found yourself arguing with the ‘Sat-Nav’? Thinking you know a better way.
Sometimes we can find ourselves arguing with God believing we know the way to go, the way to live our lives. God knows best! It is a foolish thing to do...to switch off God in our lives.
Proverbs 14:12 – There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death
God is not a killjoy. He knows the end from the beginning. Isaiah 46:10 – I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
Trust God that he knows best for your life. Don’t live in the James Brown zone, it must be all right because ‘I feel good’. God wants to lead us and direct our paths away from destruction.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
His word will lead us to the best life, the best experiences.
4 requirements for being a people of God’s word...
1) Allow God’s word to speak the loudest
We need to decide who is going to have the loudest voice in our lives. Whoever is speaking the loudest is going to direct us.
Psalm 119:11 – I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you
We are hearing all kinds of messages, many voices in the media. They are becoming louder and clearer. Some good, some not so good. Let God’s word be the loudest voice in our lives.
2) Know that God has your best interests in mind
God is always for us, wanting to lift our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
3) Know that God’s word will produce fruit
In an ‘instant minded world’ it is important for us to understand the sowing and reaping principle.
Isaiah 55:10-11 – As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
When we act upon God’s word after hearing it, receiving it and believing it, we will produce fruit. Sometimes we also need to take a stand, not to give up, to be belligerent, defiant, obstreperous!
4) Trust that God knows best
On our journey in life let God show us the right direction to go...He knows best!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The Power of God's Word
Paul Benger began a two part series this morning on ‘faith’...the Power of God’s Word. (Podcasts now available)
Without faith it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
So many people have misconceptions about God, but...
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God - Romans 10:17
Faith is believing what God has said. We hear God’s word, we receive God’s word, we believe God’s word and we do it!
Four things concerning the ‘power of God’s word’...
God’s Word is Creative
New things are born when God speaks. God will speak into your life and create new things.
2 Peter 3:5 – long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water
“One word from God can change your life forever”
God’s word creates vision. He causes us to see into our future and believe the things we have only dreamed of.
Character is created when we hear the word of God. Micah 6:8 - He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God
God’s Word Sustains
His word will help you keep going when nothing seems to be happening.
Hebrews 1:3 - The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
God’s Word Saves Us
We need to learn to trust God...or we may find ourselves trusting other things or other people.
James 1:21-22 - Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
His word is wisdom for life. He gives us a great life!
Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful
God’s Word is our weapon against the enemy
Take a stand against the negative words that God has not spoken.
Ephesians 6:17 – Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
His word is our weapon when we ‘know’ what God has said. ‘I know that He loves me!’
How do I hear the Word of God?
- Jesus – the clearest expression of what God has said. Jesus is God’s ‘word’ to us.
- Read scripture
- Meditate on scripture
- Keep turning up – eventually we will get it! Stay around people of faith, be in church.
- Keep an open heart and humble spirit
Without faith it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
So many people have misconceptions about God, but...
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God - Romans 10:17
Faith is believing what God has said. We hear God’s word, we receive God’s word, we believe God’s word and we do it!
Four things concerning the ‘power of God’s word’...
God’s Word is Creative
New things are born when God speaks. God will speak into your life and create new things.
2 Peter 3:5 – long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water
“One word from God can change your life forever”
God’s word creates vision. He causes us to see into our future and believe the things we have only dreamed of.
Character is created when we hear the word of God. Micah 6:8 - He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God
God’s Word Sustains
His word will help you keep going when nothing seems to be happening.
Hebrews 1:3 - The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
God’s Word Saves Us
We need to learn to trust God...or we may find ourselves trusting other things or other people.
James 1:21-22 - Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
His word is wisdom for life. He gives us a great life!
Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful
God’s Word is our weapon against the enemy
Take a stand against the negative words that God has not spoken.
Ephesians 6:17 – Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
His word is our weapon when we ‘know’ what God has said. ‘I know that He loves me!’
How do I hear the Word of God?
- Jesus – the clearest expression of what God has said. Jesus is God’s ‘word’ to us.
- Read scripture
- Meditate on scripture
- Keep turning up – eventually we will get it! Stay around people of faith, be in church.
- Keep an open heart and humble spirit
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