A great message in church this morning from Simon Wood. He spoke on ‘transformation’.
God has done and is doing great things in our lives. He is the business of transformation. Our ultimate transformation is salvation through Jesus Christ. God is so gracious and good to us in that he has changed our lives in this way.
2 Corinthians 3:18 – And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit
God is transforming us into his likeness. It is an on-going process to reflect his glory and to bring us into his purposes. We will make mistakes along the way but God’s plan still stays intact and doesn’t suddenly disappear.
He chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary things!
When we feel we have lost that ‘first love’ when we first came to Christ we need to remember what God has done in our lives and where he has brought us from.
Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
These verses truth and foundational, our default position in God and brings great strength to our lives.
God has great plans for our lives to see us grow and transform. The things he sees in us he sees them as good things, like a Father to his children he wants to encourage us to help us to grow.
Transformation is sometimes difficult and challenges will come, but let us keep pressing on.
We’re all on this journey of transformation.
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will
Transformation often means changing our thinking. We also need to remember that God’s will is good! Get a revelation of what God wants for us and of who we are in God.
The default position is that God loves us and has great plans for us. The way we think shapes our lives.
Proverbs 23:7 – For as he thinks in his heart, so is he
Our understanding of what God wants for us can be a little out of sync because of past experiences.
Don’t let negative thoughts be our default position, but what God has placed in your heart.
“I tell people: If you don't want to get into positive thinking, that's OK Just eliminate all the negative thoughts from your mind, and whatever's left will be fine.'' Bob Rotella, Sports Psychologist
Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
We have to be careful not to give negative stuff too much prominence in our lives. Often we build monuments to our negative experiences. We hold them against us to keep us held back life…but God doesn’t. Tear down those monuments and get rid of them!
Build positive monuments in your life of what God has done. As we destroy those things we’ve built up in our lives God will finish them off and wipe the slate clean!
To help us grow and transform we need to have good friends in our lives who believe in us and encourage us. They help us to get back on track when we have wandered off.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – 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!
As well as God transforming us we are also here to see our world transformed.
Matthew 5:14-16 – "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
How can I help transform my world?
- Be yourself, be real (people are drawn to that)
- Take an interest in what matters to others
- Make people valuable
- Build peoples lives, especially those who have their lives torn down
- Always be Hopeful
- Go the extra mile
- Share your faith and testimony with honesty at the appropriate time
- Pray for people
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Living for a Cause Bigger than Me
We continued our Rise and Build 2008 in church today. Paul Benger brought a great message entitled, ‘Living for a Cause Bigger than Me’.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 – He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men
Eternity is in our hearts. When we live for anything less we’re never satisfied. Eternal life has started already through our relationship with Jesus.
We live for a cause bigger than us.
Jesus Lived for a Cause
He came to earth on ‘purpose’. He lived for 33 ½ years, 3 ½ years of public ministry. He had been sent by God, the Father. Do we believe we have been sent also?
Our life is not a random event – nothing haphazard.
His Cause…
1) The Salvation of Men
John 12:27 – “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour”
For this very reason…to save the world.
2) To be a King that Rules
John 18:37- "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
His purpose was to rule over our lives, to be Lord of our lives.
3) To build his Church and extend His Kingdom
Matthew 16:18-19 – And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
He came to fashion me, to equip me so that we could extend His Kingdom. It is Jesus that builds the church.
How Should we Live?
We live for the same cause, to see the salvation of people. To see Jesus being made Lord of their lives. To be a gathering of such people.
Jesus said, ‘As the Father has sent me so I am sending you’.
Live Saved and live Called
2 Timothy 1:8-10 – So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Our calling is a life purpose and influence, reaching people.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (Amp) - He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end
He has put an eternal vision inside of our hearts…a holy calling, a calling from God. This calling embraces every aspect of our lives. Live ‘called’ right where you are in whatever you are doing. Be light, lifting the lives of others – building the church and extending God’s Kingdom.
Why Should we Live Called?
We could say it’s just down to obedience, or because God loves us and we want to love him back. But…
Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
3 things why we should live ‘called’…
1) Because of the great cloud of witnesses
Others have already run their race before us…they’ve finished their race. We’re not the first people to be running this race. But we are right here right now…it is our time. People have gone before us and that is why we are here today. We’re stood on their shoulders and they were people just like us. They witness to the fact that it can be done!
2) History and Heaven is waiting
Hebrews 11:39-40 –These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect
They’re waiting for us to add our bit…to press on further than has gone before. Getting ready for Christ’s return.
3) Living called has its reward
Hebrews 12:2 – Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
We get to see lives changed. We get to leave a legacy…for generations to come!
Ecclesiastes 3:11 – He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men
Eternity is in our hearts. When we live for anything less we’re never satisfied. Eternal life has started already through our relationship with Jesus.
We live for a cause bigger than us.
Jesus Lived for a Cause
He came to earth on ‘purpose’. He lived for 33 ½ years, 3 ½ years of public ministry. He had been sent by God, the Father. Do we believe we have been sent also?
Our life is not a random event – nothing haphazard.
His Cause…
1) The Salvation of Men
John 12:27 – “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour”
For this very reason…to save the world.
2) To be a King that Rules
John 18:37- "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
His purpose was to rule over our lives, to be Lord of our lives.
3) To build his Church and extend His Kingdom
Matthew 16:18-19 – And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
He came to fashion me, to equip me so that we could extend His Kingdom. It is Jesus that builds the church.
How Should we Live?
We live for the same cause, to see the salvation of people. To see Jesus being made Lord of their lives. To be a gathering of such people.
Jesus said, ‘As the Father has sent me so I am sending you’.
Live Saved and live Called
2 Timothy 1:8-10 – So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Our calling is a life purpose and influence, reaching people.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (Amp) - He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end
He has put an eternal vision inside of our hearts…a holy calling, a calling from God. This calling embraces every aspect of our lives. Live ‘called’ right where you are in whatever you are doing. Be light, lifting the lives of others – building the church and extending God’s Kingdom.
Why Should we Live Called?
We could say it’s just down to obedience, or because God loves us and we want to love him back. But…
Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
3 things why we should live ‘called’…
1) Because of the great cloud of witnesses
Others have already run their race before us…they’ve finished their race. We’re not the first people to be running this race. But we are right here right now…it is our time. People have gone before us and that is why we are here today. We’re stood on their shoulders and they were people just like us. They witness to the fact that it can be done!
2) History and Heaven is waiting
Hebrews 11:39-40 –These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect
They’re waiting for us to add our bit…to press on further than has gone before. Getting ready for Christ’s return.
3) Living called has its reward
Hebrews 12:2 – Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
We get to see lives changed. We get to leave a legacy…for generations to come!
Monday, October 13, 2008
A City on a Hill
We began our two week Rise and Build series yesterday in church. Paul Benger shared an excellent message on the theme of ‘A City on a Hill’.
God is always wanting to move and he moves through people. That is how revival is often birthed through people.
We had a prophetic word about the church earlier on in the year…We are a city on a hill both physically and also prophetically. We are to be a church of influence, light shining in the darkness. A signpost pointing to a different way of life.
How much influence do you want us to have? How passionate are we about pressing forward?
We are ALL involved with what God is calling us to be…with a spirit of faith. The whole church rising up.
Matthew 5:13-16 – "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
You can’t keep it quiet! We are meant to be a generous people to lift the lives of others. The church is meant to be alive! ‘Jesus is the Light of the world’. We are meant to be a church full of vision…to be leading the way. Speaking into our world at all levels bringing hope and life.
The church is not meant to be a hidden, but living for Christ and a beam of light and hope.
John 8:12 - "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Jesus is the true light of the world.
Never limit the number of people we are reaching. Our world needs LIGHT, it is lacking hope and meaning.
We are a prophetic sign. A sign reminds people that there is more to life. That as we live as the community of God’s people we speak to our world prophetically. That there is more to life than where they are at.
We have influence even as individuals. We are meant to be light, we’re not meant to exit the world but to influence the world.
Jesus has a big vision for his church, let us not be vision poor.
The church is meant to be…
- Contemporary and Prophetic
- A Biblical Community
- Celebrating its Citizens
- On a Mission
It’s not enough to be just contemporary…we have to be prophetic. To have influence, to engage our culture enough that our message can be heard.
Being contemporary is not removing our values and beliefs. It’s about living at the same time and still expressing our values and beliefs.
‘To be prophetic is to challenge contemporary values, culture and thinking and behaviour and point the way to something better – the Kingdom of God.’ Mal Fletcher
We are a Biblical Community – there is much communication tools today but not much community.
We are meant to be celebrating its citizens...
Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves
Galatians 5:13 – You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love
Hebrews 3:13 – But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness
We are on a Mission...
The church is meant to be missional and attractional. To do everything with excellence that draws people to the light.
Realise that you are a missionary. We’re all sent, abroad and home. Mission begins with relationships and then evangelism which leads to faith.
God is always wanting to move and he moves through people. That is how revival is often birthed through people.
We had a prophetic word about the church earlier on in the year…We are a city on a hill both physically and also prophetically. We are to be a church of influence, light shining in the darkness. A signpost pointing to a different way of life.
How much influence do you want us to have? How passionate are we about pressing forward?
We are ALL involved with what God is calling us to be…with a spirit of faith. The whole church rising up.
Matthew 5:13-16 – "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
You can’t keep it quiet! We are meant to be a generous people to lift the lives of others. The church is meant to be alive! ‘Jesus is the Light of the world’. We are meant to be a church full of vision…to be leading the way. Speaking into our world at all levels bringing hope and life.
The church is not meant to be a hidden, but living for Christ and a beam of light and hope.
John 8:12 - "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Jesus is the true light of the world.
Never limit the number of people we are reaching. Our world needs LIGHT, it is lacking hope and meaning.
We are a prophetic sign. A sign reminds people that there is more to life. That as we live as the community of God’s people we speak to our world prophetically. That there is more to life than where they are at.
We have influence even as individuals. We are meant to be light, we’re not meant to exit the world but to influence the world.
Jesus has a big vision for his church, let us not be vision poor.
The church is meant to be…
- Contemporary and Prophetic
- A Biblical Community
- Celebrating its Citizens
- On a Mission
It’s not enough to be just contemporary…we have to be prophetic. To have influence, to engage our culture enough that our message can be heard.
Being contemporary is not removing our values and beliefs. It’s about living at the same time and still expressing our values and beliefs.
‘To be prophetic is to challenge contemporary values, culture and thinking and behaviour and point the way to something better – the Kingdom of God.’ Mal Fletcher
We are a Biblical Community – there is much communication tools today but not much community.
We are meant to be celebrating its citizens...
Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves
Galatians 5:13 – You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love
Hebrews 3:13 – But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness
We are on a Mission...
The church is meant to be missional and attractional. To do everything with excellence that draws people to the light.
Realise that you are a missionary. We’re all sent, abroad and home. Mission begins with relationships and then evangelism which leads to faith.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Let us run...
We had a fantastic time in church yesterday. We had Roy Todd with us for both morning and evening services. In the morning he spoke about running the race with perseverance!
Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
Throw of the sin that so easily entangles us…unbelief or cynicism and negativity.
Faith is not cynical it sees the possibilities. That with God all things are possible!
Run with perseverance – keep believing what you believe. Keep doing the right things.
Keep the race going; keep on passing the baton…believing for now and for future generations.
We know that sometimes life is great and sometimes it is not so great…but we keep persevering.
A few things to help us in our race…
1) Don’t Limit God
Don’t limit God in the race he has marked out for you. He is the God of the impossible!
We need to check our thinking. It is often a battle of the mind. Are we limiting God?
Remember when he disciplines us he is wanting to bring the best out of us.
2) Learn to overcome your fears
Or your fears will overcome you and stop you reaching your potential.
It is not wrong to feel fear…but don’t submit to it. Submit to God instead. Sometimes we need to do it afraid. Don’t let your fears hold you back.
3) Know your identity
We need to like ourselves….God loves you! Do we expect too much sometimes? Let us remain teachable, we’re in it for the long haul.
Know who you are in Christ. We’re not here to prove something to others.
Never lose your sense of indentity. Keep on pressing on.
4) Have Faith
Keep positive. Bring the good report like Joshua and Caleb. The two spies who brought the good report as opposed to the ten spies who brought the negative report. The majority and not always right!
Don’t be people who complain.
5) Dare to believe for more than you’ve ever experienced!
Get out of your comfort zone and move into the new realm God has for you!
Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
Throw of the sin that so easily entangles us…unbelief or cynicism and negativity.
Faith is not cynical it sees the possibilities. That with God all things are possible!
Run with perseverance – keep believing what you believe. Keep doing the right things.
Keep the race going; keep on passing the baton…believing for now and for future generations.
We know that sometimes life is great and sometimes it is not so great…but we keep persevering.
A few things to help us in our race…
1) Don’t Limit God
Don’t limit God in the race he has marked out for you. He is the God of the impossible!
We need to check our thinking. It is often a battle of the mind. Are we limiting God?
Remember when he disciplines us he is wanting to bring the best out of us.
2) Learn to overcome your fears
Or your fears will overcome you and stop you reaching your potential.
It is not wrong to feel fear…but don’t submit to it. Submit to God instead. Sometimes we need to do it afraid. Don’t let your fears hold you back.
3) Know your identity
We need to like ourselves….God loves you! Do we expect too much sometimes? Let us remain teachable, we’re in it for the long haul.
Know who you are in Christ. We’re not here to prove something to others.
Never lose your sense of indentity. Keep on pressing on.
4) Have Faith
Keep positive. Bring the good report like Joshua and Caleb. The two spies who brought the good report as opposed to the ten spies who brought the negative report. The majority and not always right!
Don’t be people who complain.
5) Dare to believe for more than you’ve ever experienced!
Get out of your comfort zone and move into the new realm God has for you!
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