Loved yesterday in church! Spoke in the morning on this great truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Everyone will spend a portion of their lives, if not most of them, searching for significance.
The Bible says that you are significant, unique and crafted for a particular reason. Do you believe that about yourself?
Iron Man 2 quote, “What is, and always will be, my greatest creation... is YOU”
It’s just a quote from a film…BUT in all the wonder of creation God’s greatest creation is YOU!
YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made
God loves you the way you are!
God has got a plan and a purpose for your life
Psalm 139:1-18
Look at 3 important life-changing facts from this chapter this morning…
1. Recognise the wonder of He who made you (vs.1-12)
Not only does God know all these things about us, but He wants to know us personally.
What are our thoughts on God? Do you see Him as David did? Some people think of God as a distant being who sometimes hears our prayers. He’s up there but is generally disinterested with us…too many people to think about!
He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end; He is the Creator and One true God. Marvel at Him and understand the wonder of His majesty. This same God made and crafted you!
2. Realise how amazing you are (vs.13-15)
The word wonderfully, some translations include fearfully, means to cause astonishment and awe, to inspire reverence. When you see YOU it should inspire you to be in awe of God.
Can you see how seeing yourself like this would affect your self-worth?
Jesus highlights the kind of God we serve and His interest in each person by saying in…
Luke 12:7, “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.”
You are wonderfully made!
3. Remember your purpose (vs.16-18)
He knew who you would be before you were born and He has always had a plan for you.
Forget what others have said about you; listen to what God is saying to you this morning. You are significant to Him!
1 Peter 2:9-10
2 Corinthians 5:17
Made for a Purpose – we have a ‘destiny’! Let me tell you a couple of things about Destiny.
1. You’ve got one!
Jeremiah 29:11-12, “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.”
No the bible says you are a marvellous creation of God – fearfully and wonderfully made! You are not an accident! Your birth was not a coincident – nor a random event.
2. You are the right person at the right time designed with God’s purpose in mind!
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.”
You are the right person – not a different person! You are at the right time! Today!
You reflect the splendour of your Creator and He is truly majestic.
YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made
God loves you the way you are!
God has got a plan and a purpose for your life
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 05, 2010
God the Builder 3
Loved this message from our mini series "God the Builder" in church today, spoken by Paul Benger.
Ephesians 4:11-16
God is a builder and he builds us. What you say will shape your life.
'sticks and stones...' that saying is not true. Words do have an incredible impact on our lives.
God builds up the church through what we say. There is a way of conversing that builds up lives.
Speaking the truth in love...
This isn't 'say it as it is'! Critical spirit. But this isn't what Paul is talking about.
Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 10:21...the lips of the righteous feed many
It feeds and grows!
Before we think what we ought to say why are we going to say it. What is our motive?
We want this church to be like that... to speak in love and to see peoples lives built up. Prosper one another.
Our God connections, the church we are planted in, is our supply for life and growth. Faith, hope, grace, mercy all these things are sourced through those God connections.
We can't dismiss one another we need each other, to rejoice with one another, to celebrate together...to mourn together.
Having the motive of love. Speaking the truth in love.
We need to understand how great God's forgiveness is.
Sin is rebellion, to do our own thing and we don't need God in our lives to rule over us.
Jesus died so that we would be forgiven and that we could have the relationship God wants to have with us.
Incredible forgiveness of our rebellion. We cannot do it on our own, we will always fall short. We are saved and forgiven all because of wast Christ has done for us.
Hebrews 3:13 - encourage one another
Some of the things we need to communicate to one another...
God saves people, he rescues
God restores, broken lives get restored
God renews, he heals
God can fill us with his Spirit, not a spirit of despair
God forgives, continually
God provides, his providence...the invisible hand of God, preparing us for the future. Believe God for miracles of providence today.
God protects, Psalm 124:2,7-8
God knows, God loves
God is our strength...I can do all things...
God is good!
We don't just speak to others these things...we speak them to ourselves too.
Ephesians 4:11-16
God is a builder and he builds us. What you say will shape your life.
'sticks and stones...' that saying is not true. Words do have an incredible impact on our lives.
God builds up the church through what we say. There is a way of conversing that builds up lives.
Speaking the truth in love...
This isn't 'say it as it is'! Critical spirit. But this isn't what Paul is talking about.
Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 10:21...the lips of the righteous feed many
It feeds and grows!
Before we think what we ought to say why are we going to say it. What is our motive?
We want this church to be like that... to speak in love and to see peoples lives built up. Prosper one another.
Our God connections, the church we are planted in, is our supply for life and growth. Faith, hope, grace, mercy all these things are sourced through those God connections.
We can't dismiss one another we need each other, to rejoice with one another, to celebrate together...to mourn together.
Having the motive of love. Speaking the truth in love.
We need to understand how great God's forgiveness is.
Sin is rebellion, to do our own thing and we don't need God in our lives to rule over us.
Jesus died so that we would be forgiven and that we could have the relationship God wants to have with us.
Incredible forgiveness of our rebellion. We cannot do it on our own, we will always fall short. We are saved and forgiven all because of wast Christ has done for us.
Hebrews 3:13 - encourage one another
Some of the things we need to communicate to one another...
God saves people, he rescues
God restores, broken lives get restored
God renews, he heals
God can fill us with his Spirit, not a spirit of despair
God forgives, continually
God provides, his providence...the invisible hand of God, preparing us for the future. Believe God for miracles of providence today.
God protects, Psalm 124:2,7-8
God knows, God loves
God is our strength...I can do all things...
God is good!
We don't just speak to others these things...we speak them to ourselves too.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
God the Builder 2
Great morning in church. Paul Benger continued our mini series on 'God the Builder'. A growth inspiring message!
Ephesians 4:11-16
Whole nutha level...whole measure!
The taller we want to build the deeper we need to dig
The right foundations are crucial for our growth
The church is you and me...God is going to get his will done through us!
There can be restrictions to our growth, God addresses those issues through love. Let's get rid of those restrictions. Paul shows us from Ephesians 4 how we can do this.
We can't do this on our own...we need God in our lives at the centre...so that we can grow.
Be gentle...be at rest, people of grace
Have forgiveness in your life and the spirit of unity
Another restriction can be not recognising the gifts that God has given us. We are limited on our own...we need one another.
It's not about changing your environment but its about changing you! Who you are goes with you!
God builds us by increasing our capacity
Ephesians 4:11-12
God is into increasing our capacity. To have more influence. He has a blue print for your life...he hasn't changed it, he still believes in you! He restores us. Renewed...but back to it's original order. Shalom...nothing missing, nothing broken.
God is working towards his vision for us.
He builds us through the fruit of the Spirit...
Galatians 5:22
He builds us through the gifts of the Spirit...
Romans 12:6-8
He builds us through natural gifts but also supernatural gifts
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
These gifts are for the common good to build up the church
Not for our own individual good, to promote us
These are gifts of Gods grace (charismata)...gifts that rely on the grace of God.
Ephesians 4:11
It all happens in church! Success begins on Sunday.
It's all part of God growing us, equipping us...increasing our capacity. Enabling us to navigate life well.
Ephesians 4:11-16
Whole nutha level...whole measure!
The taller we want to build the deeper we need to dig
The right foundations are crucial for our growth
The church is you and me...God is going to get his will done through us!
There can be restrictions to our growth, God addresses those issues through love. Let's get rid of those restrictions. Paul shows us from Ephesians 4 how we can do this.
We can't do this on our own...we need God in our lives at the centre...so that we can grow.
Be gentle...be at rest, people of grace
Have forgiveness in your life and the spirit of unity
Another restriction can be not recognising the gifts that God has given us. We are limited on our own...we need one another.
It's not about changing your environment but its about changing you! Who you are goes with you!
God builds us by increasing our capacity
Ephesians 4:11-12
God is into increasing our capacity. To have more influence. He has a blue print for your life...he hasn't changed it, he still believes in you! He restores us. Renewed...but back to it's original order. Shalom...nothing missing, nothing broken.
God is working towards his vision for us.
He builds us through the fruit of the Spirit...
Galatians 5:22
He builds us through the gifts of the Spirit...
Romans 12:6-8
He builds us through natural gifts but also supernatural gifts
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
These gifts are for the common good to build up the church
Not for our own individual good, to promote us
These are gifts of Gods grace (charismata)...gifts that rely on the grace of God.
Ephesians 4:11
It all happens in church! Success begins on Sunday.
It's all part of God growing us, equipping us...increasing our capacity. Enabling us to navigate life well.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
God is a Builder
Loved this message from Paul Benger this morning in church. All about the fact that God is a Builder.
Ephesians 4:1-16
How does God build our lives?
God is into growth! Development, advancement etc
The higher we build the deeper God has to put the foundations into our lives
God develops us, test us, stretches us so that we can grow!
God takes us from a place of unbelief to a place of faith and trust
Progress is built inside of us...human nature!
If you're alive, breathing! Then you're going to want to grow!
Myths about our growth...
If we face a challenge it's not a rejection by God...he is building something our lives
Myth 1. Every growth step is met by a miracle...not always, it can start with a miracle but then God builds kingdom principles into our lives...step by step!
Myth 2. All I need Jesus...it's true but it's also not true. There are times when that might be all we've got...but that's not how we are meant to live. We need one another. The church.
Jesus is more than enough
Myth 3. I just need to read my bible. It's a partial truth. We need to put his words into practice.
Myth 4. I need new surroundings. Sometimes... but what we need is a new us! We go where ever we go! Let God change us.
1. God reveals our calling
Ephesians 4:1
2 Timothy 1:8-9
God has called us...we need to appreciate that! Don't lose sight of this! Sin separated us from God but we've been rescued...saved but also called. We are here to rescue the world!
How do I live out this calling? To live this great life that God has given us. Serve where you are...flourish.
2. God nurtures us in a unified body
Ephesians 4:3, 13
God builds in environment of unity. Things cannot be built in a place of disunity.
God has placed us in his church...an environment of unity...of the Spirit
Ephesians 4:2-3 - unity matters (Psalm 133)
God grows us by giving us an environment of unity
3. God builds us by his grace
Ephesians 4:7-8
Favour...an enabling by God.
God’s grace is sufficient for me! (Paul)
God is going to make a champion out of you!
Grace environments will cause you to flourish...even when we fall and fail.
God has given us more than enough!
God is wanting to build us, CLC, so that he can populate us with more and more people!
Ephesians 4:1-16
How does God build our lives?
God is into growth! Development, advancement etc
The higher we build the deeper God has to put the foundations into our lives
God develops us, test us, stretches us so that we can grow!
God takes us from a place of unbelief to a place of faith and trust
Progress is built inside of us...human nature!
If you're alive, breathing! Then you're going to want to grow!
Myths about our growth...
If we face a challenge it's not a rejection by God...he is building something our lives
Myth 1. Every growth step is met by a miracle...not always, it can start with a miracle but then God builds kingdom principles into our lives...step by step!
Myth 2. All I need Jesus...it's true but it's also not true. There are times when that might be all we've got...but that's not how we are meant to live. We need one another. The church.
Jesus is more than enough
Myth 3. I just need to read my bible. It's a partial truth. We need to put his words into practice.
Myth 4. I need new surroundings. Sometimes... but what we need is a new us! We go where ever we go! Let God change us.
1. God reveals our calling
Ephesians 4:1
2 Timothy 1:8-9
God has called us...we need to appreciate that! Don't lose sight of this! Sin separated us from God but we've been rescued...saved but also called. We are here to rescue the world!
How do I live out this calling? To live this great life that God has given us. Serve where you are...flourish.
2. God nurtures us in a unified body
Ephesians 4:3, 13
God builds in environment of unity. Things cannot be built in a place of disunity.
God has placed us in his church...an environment of unity...of the Spirit
Ephesians 4:2-3 - unity matters (Psalm 133)
God grows us by giving us an environment of unity
3. God builds us by his grace
Ephesians 4:7-8
Favour...an enabling by God.
God’s grace is sufficient for me! (Paul)
God is going to make a champion out of you!
Grace environments will cause you to flourish...even when we fall and fail.
God has given us more than enough!
God is wanting to build us, CLC, so that he can populate us with more and more people!
Monday, November 08, 2010
Involved!
Great day in church yesterday. Mark Wilkins spoke in both services about us all getting ‘Involved’ in the building of the church.
We all play a part in this great work of the church and in particular here at CLC.
Don't just go to church...be church
Matthew 22:27-40
God loves people and has a plan for their lives...even those that rub you up the wrong way!
We serve God and we serve people.
James 2
True faith means we love people as well as God...good works naturally flow It becomes who we are Don't have a consumer mentality with regards to church...be the church!
Matthew 16:17-18
Acts 1:7-8
Our mission is to build the church. Plan A...there is no plan B!
The local church is the hope for the world People doing great things for God together is the church...not just buildings.
1 Corinthians 12:7
Romans 12:4-8
There is a role for each one of us in the church and we are all different! But every part working together is vital to a healthy body.
Acts 2:42-47
The early church was a group of people being church.
Church is at its best when helping others lifting their lives
Church is at its best when people stop attending church and start being church
Future-Engage-Deliver
What it takes to be a great volunteer...
Future...those whose future is aligned to building the church. We have a vision of what we believe the church should look like.
Engage...we can agree with the vision...but to be a great volunteer we need to engage with vision, get involved! Carry the vision...not just look at it and nod our heads.
Deliver...we set our goals alongside the vision, the future of the church. Commitment to seeing it through! A great volunteer desires to deliver.
We all play a part in this great work of the church and in particular here at CLC.
Don't just go to church...be church
Matthew 22:27-40
God loves people and has a plan for their lives...even those that rub you up the wrong way!
We serve God and we serve people.
James 2
True faith means we love people as well as God...good works naturally flow It becomes who we are Don't have a consumer mentality with regards to church...be the church!
Matthew 16:17-18
Acts 1:7-8
Our mission is to build the church. Plan A...there is no plan B!
The local church is the hope for the world People doing great things for God together is the church...not just buildings.
1 Corinthians 12:7
Romans 12:4-8
There is a role for each one of us in the church and we are all different! But every part working together is vital to a healthy body.
Acts 2:42-47
The early church was a group of people being church.
Church is at its best when helping others lifting their lives
Church is at its best when people stop attending church and start being church
Future-Engage-Deliver
What it takes to be a great volunteer...
Future...those whose future is aligned to building the church. We have a vision of what we believe the church should look like.
Engage...we can agree with the vision...but to be a great volunteer we need to engage with vision, get involved! Carry the vision...not just look at it and nod our heads.
Deliver...we set our goals alongside the vision, the future of the church. Commitment to seeing it through! A great volunteer desires to deliver.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Great morning in church. Paul Benger spoke an excellent message about 'turning up the heat'.
You're not hot and you're not cold (Jesus)
God doesn't want to tell us what we're not...but to turn up the heat in our lives!
God is alive and his church is alive!
We want to be passionate but we want to be powerful as well.
Some things that help us keep the heat up...
1. Live surrendered
Matthew 6:31-34
Do Jesus in the first person not through someone else
We surrender our lives to him. We worship him...surrendered.
It's not difficult to serve when we're surrendered
We're serving him...not the organisation.
We need a revelation of Jesus Christ for our lives
When we surrender God adds to our life
Surrender turns the heat up, worry turns the heat down
Matthew 6:34 (MSG)
2. Live 'others' oriented
Matthew 20:26-28
Serving is something we are...not something we do
We are not cynical about our leadership we desire to serve
There is a joy that is added to our lives when we serve others
3. Live purposefully
Live your life on purpose. As for me and my household...we will serve the Lord
Make decisions in your life to put his kingdom first
Proverbs 16:9
God has got steps for you...your life is not random
Psalm 37:23
'Why' isn't an issue when we live purposefully...
How are we going to move forward?
4. Choose forgiveness as a lifestyle
Forgiveness turns the heat up. Unforgiveness turns the heat down!
Luke 17:1-4
Our actions can cause others to stumble but our reactions can cause us to stumble.
You're not hot and you're not cold (Jesus)
God doesn't want to tell us what we're not...but to turn up the heat in our lives!
God is alive and his church is alive!
We want to be passionate but we want to be powerful as well.
Some things that help us keep the heat up...
1. Live surrendered
Matthew 6:31-34
Do Jesus in the first person not through someone else
We surrender our lives to him. We worship him...surrendered.
It's not difficult to serve when we're surrendered
We're serving him...not the organisation.
We need a revelation of Jesus Christ for our lives
When we surrender God adds to our life
Surrender turns the heat up, worry turns the heat down
Matthew 6:34 (MSG)
2. Live 'others' oriented
Matthew 20:26-28
Serving is something we are...not something we do
We are not cynical about our leadership we desire to serve
There is a joy that is added to our lives when we serve others
3. Live purposefully
Live your life on purpose. As for me and my household...we will serve the Lord
Make decisions in your life to put his kingdom first
Proverbs 16:9
God has got steps for you...your life is not random
Psalm 37:23
'Why' isn't an issue when we live purposefully...
How are we going to move forward?
4. Choose forgiveness as a lifestyle
Forgiveness turns the heat up. Unforgiveness turns the heat down!
Luke 17:1-4
Our actions can cause others to stumble but our reactions can cause us to stumble.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Hope
Great morning…great message! Jeannie Benger spoke on the importance of having hope in our lives.
Proverbs 13:12
Live a life of hope with and anticipation and expectation
The forward view of the righteous...we look forward to!
As a church we will always look forward to the future
There is always a battle against your dreams and hopes
There is an enemy that wants to remove your hope
God is a God of hope and he wants to cement this hope in your life
Your heart condition is important for the well being of your life
Hebrews 6:19
Keep your life under control with the anchor of hope. The God of hope wants to fill your life with it!
Hope deferred is unrelenting disappointment...despair comes, and we become desperate. Don't let hope slide!
We can become reckless without hope. Our heart becomes sick.
Hopelessness is a close cousin of the impossible
That's the bad news!
Now the good news...
Luke 1:37
Romans 5:5
Hope doesn't disappoint us.
Abraham was at that point of hopelessness. Yet he served the God of the impossible.
Romans 4:18...he believed! Against all hope...he put his trust in God and in his hope.
We serve a God of hope...even where things seem impossible. With God all things are possible!
Even trouble that we face can become a doorway of hope
God wants to turn these situations around
Romans 5:1-3
in the Kingdom of God rather than go down because of trouble...we can go through trouble!
God is building our character when we go through trouble
God is building hope into your life...even patience!!
Today we hate to wait! Let God build something strong and lasting in your life.
Keys to hope that brings life to our dreams...
1. Your Focus
We always put our hope or focus on someone
Your focus is critical
Proverbs 24:14 (MSG)
Get Godly wisdom in your life. The right focus in your life.
Focus on Jesus.
2. Your surroundings
God's house should always be a house of hope
We can have a hope in God by serving him now...not just looking to a future eternity.
Hope for now! That's what God wants to give us today!
Spread hope wherever you go...
Surround yourselves with good friends! Who cheer you on!
3. Faith
Faith and hope are inseparable partners
Hebrews 11:1
We can get hold of God's promises today...that give us hope for now and the future!
Proverbs 13:12
Live a life of hope with and anticipation and expectation
The forward view of the righteous...we look forward to!
As a church we will always look forward to the future
There is always a battle against your dreams and hopes
There is an enemy that wants to remove your hope
God is a God of hope and he wants to cement this hope in your life
Your heart condition is important for the well being of your life
Hebrews 6:19
Keep your life under control with the anchor of hope. The God of hope wants to fill your life with it!
Hope deferred is unrelenting disappointment...despair comes, and we become desperate. Don't let hope slide!
We can become reckless without hope. Our heart becomes sick.
Hopelessness is a close cousin of the impossible
That's the bad news!
Now the good news...
Luke 1:37
Romans 5:5
Hope doesn't disappoint us.
Abraham was at that point of hopelessness. Yet he served the God of the impossible.
Romans 4:18...he believed! Against all hope...he put his trust in God and in his hope.
We serve a God of hope...even where things seem impossible. With God all things are possible!
Even trouble that we face can become a doorway of hope
God wants to turn these situations around
Romans 5:1-3
in the Kingdom of God rather than go down because of trouble...we can go through trouble!
God is building our character when we go through trouble
God is building hope into your life...even patience!!
Today we hate to wait! Let God build something strong and lasting in your life.
Keys to hope that brings life to our dreams...
1. Your Focus
We always put our hope or focus on someone
Your focus is critical
Proverbs 24:14 (MSG)
Get Godly wisdom in your life. The right focus in your life.
Focus on Jesus.
2. Your surroundings
God's house should always be a house of hope
We can have a hope in God by serving him now...not just looking to a future eternity.
Hope for now! That's what God wants to give us today!
Spread hope wherever you go...
Surround yourselves with good friends! Who cheer you on!
3. Faith
Faith and hope are inseparable partners
Hebrews 11:1
We can get hold of God's promises today...that give us hope for now and the future!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Rhythm - Prayer/Breathe
Loved Paul Benger's message this morning on the Rhythm of Prayer
Matthew 6:5-15
The rhythm of Prayer...beating through our life
Often people pray when they are in trouble but stop when things are ok
We need to find a good pace of prayer in our lives
Not just the big stuff but God is interested in the small stuff too. Prayer should be like breath...important to our lives
We can talk to God like he's a machine...menu choices!
God is person who wants to know us
Matthew 6:5-9 (MSG)
This is your Father who you are dealing with
You get a person not a number!
It's not about tips and techniques when praying to God
It's not mystical! It's not vain repetition...not a chant/mantra
It's much simpler than that...it's revelatory....it's life changing, world changing
It's relational, we don't have to follow routine and procedures when we approach God in prayer.
It's breath, relational and simpler than you think...prayer
Matthew 6:9-15
Its simple, powerful and effective
Not about religion and tradition
Our Father...relationship not religion, God is our father...we can't get away from that truth. He wants the best for us!
He loves us and loves being our father. A person that we can know today.
In Heaven...God reigns in this environment called heaven. We're believing that heaven touches earth when we pray and when we praise. When the church gathers...heaven is in this place! Your will being done on earth as it is in heaven. Let your kingdom come and let your will be done!
What is heaven like...look at Jesus. He brings life and hope and healing. "may his name be honoured" Jesus
Give us today our daily bread...what's important to you is important to God. He is interested in every part of your life.
Be thankful for every little thing...not just the big stuff!
It's not either or...it's both and! Believe God for daily bread.
Deliver us from the evil one...there are things in life that can be harmful, but God is our protector our strong tower. He is making our obstacles stepping stones. He grows us when trouble comes our way. Make our enemies our footstools...as we step up to another level!
Believe that...This is just another stepping stone!
Hebrews 11:6
Matthew 6:5-15
The rhythm of Prayer...beating through our life
Often people pray when they are in trouble but stop when things are ok
We need to find a good pace of prayer in our lives
Not just the big stuff but God is interested in the small stuff too. Prayer should be like breath...important to our lives
We can talk to God like he's a machine...menu choices!
God is person who wants to know us
Matthew 6:5-9 (MSG)
This is your Father who you are dealing with
You get a person not a number!
It's not about tips and techniques when praying to God
It's not mystical! It's not vain repetition...not a chant/mantra
It's much simpler than that...it's revelatory....it's life changing, world changing
It's relational, we don't have to follow routine and procedures when we approach God in prayer.
It's breath, relational and simpler than you think...prayer
Matthew 6:9-15
Its simple, powerful and effective
Not about religion and tradition
Our Father...relationship not religion, God is our father...we can't get away from that truth. He wants the best for us!
He loves us and loves being our father. A person that we can know today.
In Heaven...God reigns in this environment called heaven. We're believing that heaven touches earth when we pray and when we praise. When the church gathers...heaven is in this place! Your will being done on earth as it is in heaven. Let your kingdom come and let your will be done!
What is heaven like...look at Jesus. He brings life and hope and healing. "may his name be honoured" Jesus
Give us today our daily bread...what's important to you is important to God. He is interested in every part of your life.
Be thankful for every little thing...not just the big stuff!
It's not either or...it's both and! Believe God for daily bread.
Deliver us from the evil one...there are things in life that can be harmful, but God is our protector our strong tower. He is making our obstacles stepping stones. He grows us when trouble comes our way. Make our enemies our footstools...as we step up to another level!
Believe that...This is just another stepping stone!
Hebrews 11:6
Monday, October 11, 2010
Rhythm
Great day at CLC yesterday. Two excellent messages morning and evening on the subject of Rhythm...
Rhythm//listen//word
God is a God of rhythm...a God of order, Days seasons weeks rests...a rhythm of life
Matthew 13:9...are you listening? Are you really listening?
There is a rhythm to listening to God...to his word
2 Timothy 1:13
There is a pattern to what you're listening to...Keep the pattern of sound words flooding your life. We need the rhythm of grace in our lives.
There is a noise around us...”you've just got to have this or do this”.
Don't let that effect the rhythm of sound words in your life. Don't let those things effect your pace...your steps
Psalm 119:105…Are you listening?
Get some promises in your life that God has given you...The wrong noises can effect your rhythm.
We need the samba of salvation…Not the military marching sound of legalism
Rhythm of Gods word brings us confidence
Psalm 1:1-3
Change the record! Get God's voice in your life!
They that do are planted fruitful and prosperous...the end game!
Are you listening? Are you really listening? God is good and he does good! He loves you and is for you! Let that word take the pace of your life...!
God's word...
1) Hear it
2) Write it down, record it
3) Meditate on it
4) Pray about it
5) Trust it...trust God
6) Live it
Rhythm//rest//grace
We need the Rhythm of Rest (Grace) in our lives
Hebrews 4
When we ‘rest’ we are living with trust and an attitude of faith for God. Rest in our lives is important for our spiritual, physical and emotional being.
Isaiah 30:15 – This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it!
Rest in the gospel of Jesus Christ…our rest is a rest based upon the completion of Christ’s work of redemption. We rest from striving to please God in our own strength, and rely upon the work which He has done (at the Cross) and which He continues to do for us.
Ephesians 2:4-6
We learn to move forward in our faith when we first learn to REST. We can approach the throne of Grace Today!
GRACE…is where it all begins.
Key to finding REST is not non-activity but being able to approach the Throne of Grace with confidence and without fear…to receive all that we need for life!
At the Throne of Grace we find THREE things…
1) It’s where we find our Salvation
Our salvation is established in GRACE. It’s not what I’ve done and therefore I deserve it. It’s what Jesus has done and therefore I receive salvation by faith - It’s a free gift!
“Christianity begins not with a big DO but with a big DONE” (Watchman Nee)
(MSG) Romans 4:4-5 - If you're a hard worker and do a good job, you deserve your pay; we don't call your wages a gift. But if you see that the job is too big for you, that it's something only God can do, and you trust him to do it—you could never do it for yourself no matter how hard and long you worked—well, that trusting-him-to-do-it is what gets you set right with God, by God. Sheer gift!
Ephesians 2:8-9
Saved by grace and grace alone! Our identity as Christians is based on GRACE.
So often we accept that we are saved by GRACE alone…but what about life after that? We can find ourselves out of step…out of kilter…unbalanced. As we become restless, striving, trying to please God with our works!
2) It’s where we find our purpose and calling
Paul…
1 Corinthians 15:10 ‘But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them— yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me’
Paul’s acknowledgment of his short-comings and his reliance on the grace of God…resting in God’s ability…that energised him!
We need a true revelation of God’s Grace. People are mobilised when they have this understanding of His grace. Where it’s not about my performance, or about what I can do or what other people think of me. ‘It’s because I am a son of God!
Our Calling is Established in Grace
3) It’s where we find strength
Philippians 4:11-13 (Amp)
His suffiency is what matters.
We want to do our very best from a position of GRACE…resting in the truth that with Christ in me…I can do all things! Your Grace is sufficient…it’s all we need!
Rhythm//listen//word
God is a God of rhythm...a God of order, Days seasons weeks rests...a rhythm of life
Matthew 13:9...are you listening? Are you really listening?
There is a rhythm to listening to God...to his word
2 Timothy 1:13
There is a pattern to what you're listening to...Keep the pattern of sound words flooding your life. We need the rhythm of grace in our lives.
There is a noise around us...”you've just got to have this or do this”.
Don't let that effect the rhythm of sound words in your life. Don't let those things effect your pace...your steps
Psalm 119:105…Are you listening?
Get some promises in your life that God has given you...The wrong noises can effect your rhythm.
We need the samba of salvation…Not the military marching sound of legalism
Rhythm of Gods word brings us confidence
Psalm 1:1-3
Change the record! Get God's voice in your life!
They that do are planted fruitful and prosperous...the end game!
Are you listening? Are you really listening? God is good and he does good! He loves you and is for you! Let that word take the pace of your life...!
God's word...
1) Hear it
2) Write it down, record it
3) Meditate on it
4) Pray about it
5) Trust it...trust God
6) Live it
Rhythm//rest//grace
We need the Rhythm of Rest (Grace) in our lives
Hebrews 4
When we ‘rest’ we are living with trust and an attitude of faith for God. Rest in our lives is important for our spiritual, physical and emotional being.
Isaiah 30:15 – This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it!
Rest in the gospel of Jesus Christ…our rest is a rest based upon the completion of Christ’s work of redemption. We rest from striving to please God in our own strength, and rely upon the work which He has done (at the Cross) and which He continues to do for us.
Ephesians 2:4-6
We learn to move forward in our faith when we first learn to REST. We can approach the throne of Grace Today!
GRACE…is where it all begins.
Key to finding REST is not non-activity but being able to approach the Throne of Grace with confidence and without fear…to receive all that we need for life!
At the Throne of Grace we find THREE things…
1) It’s where we find our Salvation
Our salvation is established in GRACE. It’s not what I’ve done and therefore I deserve it. It’s what Jesus has done and therefore I receive salvation by faith - It’s a free gift!
“Christianity begins not with a big DO but with a big DONE” (Watchman Nee)
(MSG) Romans 4:4-5 - If you're a hard worker and do a good job, you deserve your pay; we don't call your wages a gift. But if you see that the job is too big for you, that it's something only God can do, and you trust him to do it—you could never do it for yourself no matter how hard and long you worked—well, that trusting-him-to-do-it is what gets you set right with God, by God. Sheer gift!
Ephesians 2:8-9
Saved by grace and grace alone! Our identity as Christians is based on GRACE.
So often we accept that we are saved by GRACE alone…but what about life after that? We can find ourselves out of step…out of kilter…unbalanced. As we become restless, striving, trying to please God with our works!
2) It’s where we find our purpose and calling
Paul…
1 Corinthians 15:10 ‘But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them— yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me’
Paul’s acknowledgment of his short-comings and his reliance on the grace of God…resting in God’s ability…that energised him!
We need a true revelation of God’s Grace. People are mobilised when they have this understanding of His grace. Where it’s not about my performance, or about what I can do or what other people think of me. ‘It’s because I am a son of God!
Our Calling is Established in Grace
3) It’s where we find strength
Philippians 4:11-13 (Amp)
His suffiency is what matters.
We want to do our very best from a position of GRACE…resting in the truth that with Christ in me…I can do all things! Your Grace is sufficient…it’s all we need!
Monday, October 04, 2010
Building a House for God
A great day in God’s House yesterday! It was our Rise & Build Weekend and Paul Benger shared an excellent message on “Building a House for God”
Our vision...To build a world class church…To reach more people...to establish our own premises. Preparing ourselves for the future. We go from strength to strength even when we face the odd setback.
1 Chronicles 22
David's desire was to build a house worthy of an awesome God. God said no...but your son Solomon will build it. This did not stop David having a heart for God's house and preparing for the future.
Jesus is building his church...that's our passion too. Today is all about building Gods house!
Ephesians 1:23 (the Message)
God has only got one plan...plan A. To build his church and to use the church to reach people. There is no plan B!
We are carrying God's presence as go into our world. It would be a worst place if you weren't there. God speaks through you and me.
95% of people in our borough do not know Christ. That is why Jesus is building his church in our area. We would love to change the number from 95 to ?
There is a solution ... The church! He needs a devoted people who's heart is to rise and build and reach out!
3 things from 1 Chronicles 22...
David had a heart for the house (22:6-10; 19)
David encourages the people...to devote your heart and soul to build the house. God can give us a heart for his house...a supernatural heart and love for his house.
Jesus loves the church and he wants you to love it too. To make his name famous in our world!
Building the house of God is multi-generational (22:5)
Young and inexperience is needed as well the opposite! We run side by side, we don't pass on and then do nothing. We're working together to build a magnificent house
By wisdom a house is built
1 Chronicles 22:17-19
In Rise & Build we're not just bringing our finances....we're bringing our wisdom and skill
Building a house for God requires many gifts (22:14-16)
David's gift was giving...incredibly generous! But there were also workmen, craftsmen, masons, carpenters needed.
Sacrificial giving of the many not just the few. We bring our gifts into the house of God.
You are builder of the house of God!
Our vision...To build a world class church…To reach more people...to establish our own premises. Preparing ourselves for the future. We go from strength to strength even when we face the odd setback.
1 Chronicles 22
David's desire was to build a house worthy of an awesome God. God said no...but your son Solomon will build it. This did not stop David having a heart for God's house and preparing for the future.
Jesus is building his church...that's our passion too. Today is all about building Gods house!
Ephesians 1:23 (the Message)
God has only got one plan...plan A. To build his church and to use the church to reach people. There is no plan B!
We are carrying God's presence as go into our world. It would be a worst place if you weren't there. God speaks through you and me.
95% of people in our borough do not know Christ. That is why Jesus is building his church in our area. We would love to change the number from 95 to ?
There is a solution ... The church! He needs a devoted people who's heart is to rise and build and reach out!
3 things from 1 Chronicles 22...
David had a heart for the house (22:6-10; 19)
David encourages the people...to devote your heart and soul to build the house. God can give us a heart for his house...a supernatural heart and love for his house.
Jesus loves the church and he wants you to love it too. To make his name famous in our world!
Building the house of God is multi-generational (22:5)
Young and inexperience is needed as well the opposite! We run side by side, we don't pass on and then do nothing. We're working together to build a magnificent house
By wisdom a house is built
1 Chronicles 22:17-19
In Rise & Build we're not just bringing our finances....we're bringing our wisdom and skill
Building a house for God requires many gifts (22:14-16)
David's gift was giving...incredibly generous! But there were also workmen, craftsmen, masons, carpenters needed.
Sacrificial giving of the many not just the few. We bring our gifts into the house of God.
You are builder of the house of God!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Devoted 3
Great morning at CLC, Mark Wilkins shared a excellent message from our Devoted series
Acts 2:42 - they were devoted to the Holy Spirit
The early church didn't just squeeze church into their busy lives...the church was their life!
They were devoted to getting the message of the Gospel out to people
"Being Devoted to the Holy Spirit"
Acts 1:45...in just a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit
What/who/eh...is the Holy Spirit?
We can get embarrassed by the work of the Holy Spirit when we bring new people to church
1. The Holy Spirit is a Person
Not some mystical force like from Star Wars! But He is our advocate, counsellor and friend
He talks us up to the Father
2. The Holy Spirit is God
Baptise them in the Father Son and Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 13:14
Acts 1:7...the Holy Spirit enabled them to continue the mission and carry it out...empowered them to bring it to pass. He gives CLC the ability to go out and accomplish all of this
The right kind of equipping! Able to do the mission.
Acts 2:3-5
What kind of impact did the Holy Spirit have on them...?
Acts 2:37-41
An ordinary guy like Peter was enable by the HS to stand up and preach the good news...and 3000 were added to the church that day! The Holy Spirit pierces the heart and draws us to God
What kind of gifts and abilities are given to us to help build the church...?
Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4
Some of these gifts don't seem as exciting as others and yet they are vital to the building of God's house
Romans 12:6-8
1 Peter 4:10-11
We are given gifts to put them into action and not to sit on them...develop your gift
What does developing our gifts look like...we see that in Acts 2;42
If we want a church that looks like that we need to fully engage with the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:42 - they were devoted to the Holy Spirit
The early church didn't just squeeze church into their busy lives...the church was their life!
They were devoted to getting the message of the Gospel out to people
"Being Devoted to the Holy Spirit"
Acts 1:45...in just a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit
What/who/eh...is the Holy Spirit?
We can get embarrassed by the work of the Holy Spirit when we bring new people to church
1. The Holy Spirit is a Person
Not some mystical force like from Star Wars! But He is our advocate, counsellor and friend
He talks us up to the Father
2. The Holy Spirit is God
Baptise them in the Father Son and Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 13:14
Acts 1:7...the Holy Spirit enabled them to continue the mission and carry it out...empowered them to bring it to pass. He gives CLC the ability to go out and accomplish all of this
The right kind of equipping! Able to do the mission.
Acts 2:3-5
What kind of impact did the Holy Spirit have on them...?
Acts 2:37-41
An ordinary guy like Peter was enable by the HS to stand up and preach the good news...and 3000 were added to the church that day! The Holy Spirit pierces the heart and draws us to God
What kind of gifts and abilities are given to us to help build the church...?
Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4
Some of these gifts don't seem as exciting as others and yet they are vital to the building of God's house
Romans 12:6-8
1 Peter 4:10-11
We are given gifts to put them into action and not to sit on them...develop your gift
What does developing our gifts look like...we see that in Acts 2;42
If we want a church that looks like that we need to fully engage with the Holy Spirit
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Devoted 2
Fab morning at CLC. Paul Benger spoke the second message in our Devoted series. Brilliant!
The church exploded on the scene back there in Acts
It's happening today across the world and it's about to happen across Europe
We need to live devoted lives as we seek God and all his ways
Acts 2:42
Psalm 110:3 - your people will be willing in the day of your power
We need to be willing!
You will receive power and be my witnesses. As the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them they became devoted, grew and spread throughout the world
Devotion=profound dedication, attachment to a cause, sold out
Complacency is our enemy for the cause
What would the world look like if the church was taken away? The earth would be bankrupt.
(recap from last week)
Devoted to Mission
Devoted to the gatherings of God's people
Devoted to Relevance
We need to communicate to people in a relevant way
Two more things they were devoted to...
1. Conversions, people turning to Christ
The early church gathered and the early church worshipped, they spoke and sang the wonders of God
It's always been at the heart of church to gather and to worship
Then they preached and proclaimed the good ness of Jesus
Acts 2:33-38
There is something about the preaching of the word of God it 'cuts to the heart' saves souls!
It causes change in our lives, preaching for repentance...to chains our minds, our thinking...about God, about Jesus, about you and me
"Most basic foundation for the Christian life is repentance, which is taking God's side against yourself" Phil Pringle
Acts 9:26
Can a terrorist get saved? Paul did!
We are committed to peoples lives bring changed turned around
Acts 3:19-20
Acts 4:4
This church were expecting people becoming Christians
Could we be devoted to seeing people saved? As a church committed to lifting the lives of others
We believe in the power of God to change lives
2. Devoted to Truth
Acts 2:42...doctrine
It's truth that changes us. What Jesus has done and he is doing today.
Ephesians 3:10 (the Message)
Encourage, teach and do it with great patience!
They were devoted to the Apostles teaching...and they grew!
As we are taught by God through teaching the word begins to manifest in our lives
2 Timothy 1:13
Sound teaching leads us to faith and hope and love!
We need to appreciate being together as a body hearing from God together and not on our own.
The church exploded on the scene back there in Acts
It's happening today across the world and it's about to happen across Europe
We need to live devoted lives as we seek God and all his ways
Acts 2:42
Psalm 110:3 - your people will be willing in the day of your power
We need to be willing!
You will receive power and be my witnesses. As the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them they became devoted, grew and spread throughout the world
Devotion=profound dedication, attachment to a cause, sold out
Complacency is our enemy for the cause
What would the world look like if the church was taken away? The earth would be bankrupt.
(recap from last week)
Devoted to Mission
Devoted to the gatherings of God's people
Devoted to Relevance
We need to communicate to people in a relevant way
Two more things they were devoted to...
1. Conversions, people turning to Christ
The early church gathered and the early church worshipped, they spoke and sang the wonders of God
It's always been at the heart of church to gather and to worship
Then they preached and proclaimed the good ness of Jesus
Acts 2:33-38
There is something about the preaching of the word of God it 'cuts to the heart' saves souls!
It causes change in our lives, preaching for repentance...to chains our minds, our thinking...about God, about Jesus, about you and me
"Most basic foundation for the Christian life is repentance, which is taking God's side against yourself" Phil Pringle
Acts 9:26
Can a terrorist get saved? Paul did!
We are committed to peoples lives bring changed turned around
Acts 3:19-20
Acts 4:4
This church were expecting people becoming Christians
Could we be devoted to seeing people saved? As a church committed to lifting the lives of others
We believe in the power of God to change lives
2. Devoted to Truth
Acts 2:42...doctrine
It's truth that changes us. What Jesus has done and he is doing today.
Ephesians 3:10 (the Message)
Encourage, teach and do it with great patience!
They were devoted to the Apostles teaching...and they grew!
As we are taught by God through teaching the word begins to manifest in our lives
2 Timothy 1:13
Sound teaching leads us to faith and hope and love!
We need to appreciate being together as a body hearing from God together and not on our own.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Devoted 1
A fantastic morning at CLC. Paul Benger brought an excellent message as he started our new series…Devotion.
Acts 2:42
Why do we look back to the early church?
Because when Luke wrote Acts it was his second book to the book of Luke. Like a play, Gods story...Luke is Act 1...Acts is Act 2...everything is still there in both in Luke and Acts
We are in Act 3...the church today
We see a church devoted as we look back
Acts 2:42
They gave themselves to things of God devoted passionate for him!
The Holy Spirit is at work today in the church...great things are going to happen
Not a church of convenience but a church devoted
Devoted = Profound dedication consecrated...sold out to the cause of Christ
A devoted church is alive...it's got energy! It doesn't depend on your age! It's reaching people. A Devoted church is a threat to the enemy...not phased by setbacks. A devoted church is world-changing!
What were they devoted to...? (so that God create in us the same kind of passion and devotion in us)
1. They were devoted to the mission of Jesus
Acts 1:6-8
We're here for the mission of Christ to rescue people to reach the lost. A man/woman with a mission. You have a target on your head...but have all the weapons of God at our disposal!
We are here to see thousands saved in our area!
You will receive power and you will be witnesses.
Our vision has to be local and global...!
We witnesses of the fact that Jesus is alive.
Jesus is real...that's our message.
2. They were devoted to gathering together
Acts 2:1...all together in one accord, in one place
We come together because we believe we have been put together by God. Where two or three are gathered...there I am! God builds us together...each one matters.
The bible doesn't speak about doing things solo.
Acts 2:44&46
They met more than we do! They met at the temple because they were now the temple...the people of God!
When we win we win together...when we mourn we mourn together.
3. They were devoted to relevance
Acts 2:8, 11
Common language connects people...separate language disconnects people. Be relevant! Common language connect us to the world we are reaching out to.
Our communication as the church should be relevant...we are still proclaiming the same message but saying it in a way that can be understood.
Acts 2:42
Why do we look back to the early church?
Because when Luke wrote Acts it was his second book to the book of Luke. Like a play, Gods story...Luke is Act 1...Acts is Act 2...everything is still there in both in Luke and Acts
We are in Act 3...the church today
We see a church devoted as we look back
Acts 2:42
They gave themselves to things of God devoted passionate for him!
The Holy Spirit is at work today in the church...great things are going to happen
Not a church of convenience but a church devoted
Devoted = Profound dedication consecrated...sold out to the cause of Christ
A devoted church is alive...it's got energy! It doesn't depend on your age! It's reaching people. A Devoted church is a threat to the enemy...not phased by setbacks. A devoted church is world-changing!
What were they devoted to...? (so that God create in us the same kind of passion and devotion in us)
1. They were devoted to the mission of Jesus
Acts 1:6-8
We're here for the mission of Christ to rescue people to reach the lost. A man/woman with a mission. You have a target on your head...but have all the weapons of God at our disposal!
We are here to see thousands saved in our area!
You will receive power and you will be witnesses.
Our vision has to be local and global...!
We witnesses of the fact that Jesus is alive.
Jesus is real...that's our message.
2. They were devoted to gathering together
Acts 2:1...all together in one accord, in one place
We come together because we believe we have been put together by God. Where two or three are gathered...there I am! God builds us together...each one matters.
The bible doesn't speak about doing things solo.
Acts 2:44&46
They met more than we do! They met at the temple because they were now the temple...the people of God!
When we win we win together...when we mourn we mourn together.
3. They were devoted to relevance
Acts 2:8, 11
Common language connects people...separate language disconnects people. Be relevant! Common language connect us to the world we are reaching out to.
Our communication as the church should be relevant...we are still proclaiming the same message but saying it in a way that can be understood.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Grace Grows the Church
Great morning service at CLC today. Paul Benger brought an excellent message entitled 'Grace Grows the Church'.
Acts 4:31-end
Romans 15:7
Great grace was upon them all...God's favour
Grace is the favour of God we need in certain circumstances challenges...the grace of God is upon you
God loves you he is for you! In every circumstance Gods grace is upon you
Also we should accept others as Christ accepted you
It's not our greatness but Gods grace that grows the church
It's God that gives us all that we need, the power, to build and grow Gods church
When we get the revelation of his grace we see it everywhere! In your life and in other peoples life.
14 of 27 NT books start with grace
....ends with grace
Luke records in Acts the explosion of the church
The Gospel of Gods grace spreads
We're looking back today saying that God can do it again, an explosion of the Gospel
Imagine a church with no grace! We would not be joyful.
3 things about Grace
1. Jesus sends us to spread the good news of His grace
Acts 4:31
Luke 26:46-49
This was their message and it is ours today!
God loves you he is alive!
They spoke the word Boldly...and it spread throughout the known world
We are looking back at Act 2 and seeing how we can play our role today
We have been sent to boldly proclaim the message of his love and forgiveness...the Gospel of Grace
Give them the grace...boldly, not weirdly
2. Gods grace created a community of grace
Even when we get to people even with all that's wrong with them we still love and accept them
Acts 4:32-37
Don't just offer grace as a one off, grace should never be replaced by gossip
3. Grace Gives
It gives forgiveness, it gives love
They make space for people in their lives, new connect groups, new places
Grace grows the church
Acts 4:31-end
Romans 15:7
Great grace was upon them all...God's favour
Grace is the favour of God we need in certain circumstances challenges...the grace of God is upon you
God loves you he is for you! In every circumstance Gods grace is upon you
Also we should accept others as Christ accepted you
It's not our greatness but Gods grace that grows the church
It's God that gives us all that we need, the power, to build and grow Gods church
When we get the revelation of his grace we see it everywhere! In your life and in other peoples life.
14 of 27 NT books start with grace
....ends with grace
Luke records in Acts the explosion of the church
The Gospel of Gods grace spreads
We're looking back today saying that God can do it again, an explosion of the Gospel
Imagine a church with no grace! We would not be joyful.
3 things about Grace
1. Jesus sends us to spread the good news of His grace
Acts 4:31
Luke 26:46-49
This was their message and it is ours today!
God loves you he is alive!
They spoke the word Boldly...and it spread throughout the known world
We are looking back at Act 2 and seeing how we can play our role today
We have been sent to boldly proclaim the message of his love and forgiveness...the Gospel of Grace
Give them the grace...boldly, not weirdly
2. Gods grace created a community of grace
Even when we get to people even with all that's wrong with them we still love and accept them
Acts 4:32-37
Don't just offer grace as a one off, grace should never be replaced by gossip
3. Grace Gives
It gives forgiveness, it gives love
They make space for people in their lives, new connect groups, new places
Grace grows the church
Sunday, August 08, 2010
When Ordinary People are Filled with Joy
Great day in God’s House! Spoke the last part of our series “When Ordinary People…”. This morning it was all about “When Ordinary People are filled with Joy”.
1 Corinthians 1:26-28 - Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are
The apostles were ordinary guys doing extraordinary things in God…“think of what you were before you were called”
When ordinary people are filled with joy…extraordinary things happen!
Psalm 126 - (1) When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. (2) Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” (3) The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad. (4) Bring back our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the South. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. (6) He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
These were people facing ordinary times but they are reminding themselves of extraordinary things.
Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH
This is in the same spirit that Paul is talking about in the New Testament when he says “when I am weak then I am STRONG”!
When the Bible says that the Joy of the Lord is your Strength…when we understand the power of joy, the power of laughter, of celebration then we can know what it is to bring strength to our body soul and spirit.
Proverbs 17:22 – A merry heart does good, like medicine…But a broken spirit saps a person’s strength
That’s why the Devil wants to rob us of our joy…have us think that joy is not important. BUT the Joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH!
Proverbs 12:25 - Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes him GLAD!
It’s a choice to be GLAD sometimes…it’s a choice to be Joyful! It’s a choice not to let the devil do the laughing…but you’re going to fill your own mouth with laughter…your own tongue with singing!
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
“Always” means there are going to be days when we don’t feel like it…there is a time to mourn, a time to cry…BUT there is also a time to laugh! BECAUSE a Merry Heart is like MEDICINE!
Jesus rejoiced - He had a joy above his companions
Hebrew 1:9 – You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy
Hebrews 12:2 - Who for the JOY set before him endured the cross
Like Jesus - Let’s make the choice to be joyful, to choose to be glad!
Four things we’ve got to take charge of if we’re going to live joyfully. If when things are pretty ordinary…we want to be anointed with the oil joy of the Lord and know the Extraordinary when the Joy of the Lord is our STRENGTH!
1) Take charge of your MIND (thinking)
Take charge…don’t let your mind rule you…take charge of your frame of mind and line it up with the word of God and not be conformed to this world, the ordinary stuff…be transformed by the renewing of your mind
When our thinking gets effected…Enemy wants to rob us of our DREAMS
Verse 1 - When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream
The first thing that gets robbed often is the ability to dream…the creativity that comes from an awesome God.
2) Take charge of your mouth
Verse 2 – Then our mouths were filled with laughter
Is your mouth filled with laughter or defeat? The Bible says about the people of faith…the word of God is in their hearts and in our mouths! We need to have the word of God in our mouth as well as our hearts!
Proverbs 10:11 - The mouth of the righteous is a well of life!
3) Take charge of your COUNTENANCE
Verse 3 - The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.
They weren’t in a GLAD season. We are glad...that’s a choice, that’s a decision they have made.
Our disposition, our temperament…we’ve got to take charge of it! Are we being led by our smile! It’s not FAKE its FAITH!
Psalm 34:5 - Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy! (The Message) Look at Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him
4) Take charge of your ACTIONS
Verse 6 - He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Take charge of your actions - stay generous, bearing seed for sowing…they shall ‘doubtless’ come again with rejoicing! When we are sowing in tears one of the things that can shrivel up is our generosity. We’re not generous with our words anymore, with our action, with our finance.
One of the greatest things we can do in the face of discouragement is to extend generosity
1 Corinthians 1:26-28 - Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are
The apostles were ordinary guys doing extraordinary things in God…“think of what you were before you were called”
When ordinary people are filled with joy…extraordinary things happen!
Psalm 126 - (1) When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. (2) Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” (3) The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad. (4) Bring back our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the South. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. (6) He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
These were people facing ordinary times but they are reminding themselves of extraordinary things.
Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH
This is in the same spirit that Paul is talking about in the New Testament when he says “when I am weak then I am STRONG”!
When the Bible says that the Joy of the Lord is your Strength…when we understand the power of joy, the power of laughter, of celebration then we can know what it is to bring strength to our body soul and spirit.
Proverbs 17:22 – A merry heart does good, like medicine…But a broken spirit saps a person’s strength
That’s why the Devil wants to rob us of our joy…have us think that joy is not important. BUT the Joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH!
Proverbs 12:25 - Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes him GLAD!
It’s a choice to be GLAD sometimes…it’s a choice to be Joyful! It’s a choice not to let the devil do the laughing…but you’re going to fill your own mouth with laughter…your own tongue with singing!
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
“Always” means there are going to be days when we don’t feel like it…there is a time to mourn, a time to cry…BUT there is also a time to laugh! BECAUSE a Merry Heart is like MEDICINE!
Jesus rejoiced - He had a joy above his companions
Hebrew 1:9 – You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy
Hebrews 12:2 - Who for the JOY set before him endured the cross
Like Jesus - Let’s make the choice to be joyful, to choose to be glad!
Four things we’ve got to take charge of if we’re going to live joyfully. If when things are pretty ordinary…we want to be anointed with the oil joy of the Lord and know the Extraordinary when the Joy of the Lord is our STRENGTH!
1) Take charge of your MIND (thinking)
Take charge…don’t let your mind rule you…take charge of your frame of mind and line it up with the word of God and not be conformed to this world, the ordinary stuff…be transformed by the renewing of your mind
When our thinking gets effected…Enemy wants to rob us of our DREAMS
Verse 1 - When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream
The first thing that gets robbed often is the ability to dream…the creativity that comes from an awesome God.
2) Take charge of your mouth
Verse 2 – Then our mouths were filled with laughter
Is your mouth filled with laughter or defeat? The Bible says about the people of faith…the word of God is in their hearts and in our mouths! We need to have the word of God in our mouth as well as our hearts!
Proverbs 10:11 - The mouth of the righteous is a well of life!
3) Take charge of your COUNTENANCE
Verse 3 - The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.
They weren’t in a GLAD season. We are glad...that’s a choice, that’s a decision they have made.
Our disposition, our temperament…we’ve got to take charge of it! Are we being led by our smile! It’s not FAKE its FAITH!
Psalm 34:5 - Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy! (The Message) Look at Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him
4) Take charge of your ACTIONS
Verse 6 - He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Take charge of your actions - stay generous, bearing seed for sowing…they shall ‘doubtless’ come again with rejoicing! When we are sowing in tears one of the things that can shrivel up is our generosity. We’re not generous with our words anymore, with our action, with our finance.
One of the greatest things we can do in the face of discouragement is to extend generosity
Sunday, July 25, 2010
When Ordinary People Pray
What a great morning at CLC! Paul Benger shared an excellent message about 'when ordinary people pray'.
There is nothing boring about prayer...it's not a task, chore
Ordinary people connecting with an extraordinary God
James 5:13-18
When ordinary people pray extraordinary things happen
Matthew 16:19
Don't ever think prayer is ineffective, prayer changes things...things happen in Heaven and on the earth. We've seen incredible answers to prayer
Pray is multi dimentional...
PRAISE
Psalm 100:4
Praise is not boring! It's an opportunity to bring our thanks to an amazing God for who he is and for all he has done
STILLNESS
Pslam 46:10
There is a time to be still, not to worry...but know that He is God
CONFIDENCE
1 John 5:14-15
Ask...be confident, ask and keep on asking
MEDITATION
Psalm 119:14
Think about it and think about it again...meditate!
Chew it over. Turn over his thoughts in your life
DESPERATION
Psalm 34:17
Not just emotion but be desperate for the things of God
Content BUT wanting more!
Effective prayer is Transparent
James 5:16
Be real! Be able to say to your friends I got this right I got this wrong
When ordinary people pray extraordinary things happen
Be authentic...things happen!
Psalm 139:23
Don't get so religious about pray...more imperfect people in church...finding healing and wholeness
Psalm 14:4
When ordinary people pray with humility and transparency extraordinary things happen
Effective prayer is Unselfish
James 5:16
Pray for others so that you might be healed!
Effective prayer knows it's authority
James 5:16
What makes prayer effective?
Is it eloquence? No
The length of the prayer? No
Is it telling God and everybody else everything...all the detail? No
The most effective prayer...just ask the Father in the name of Jesus
It's ok to pray about the things we don't have....resources, confidence etc As long as we say BUT with what I do have I give to you! Here I am...
Effective prayer is Fervent
James 5:16
What is fervency? It's passion yes, but it is indignation. This is not right I want to see it changed. When were we last indignant? God doesn't think it's right too...so we ask and keep asking until it changes
Effective prayer is Righteous
James 5:16
Our righteouness comes from God...it's not about how good we are. Knowing that we are forgiven.
Sin...I'm a sinner. We need help, we need God in our lives. Find forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. We are not left unrighteous...made right in him.
Extraordinary things happen when ordinary people pray effective prayers.
There is nothing boring about prayer...it's not a task, chore
Ordinary people connecting with an extraordinary God
James 5:13-18
When ordinary people pray extraordinary things happen
Matthew 16:19
Don't ever think prayer is ineffective, prayer changes things...things happen in Heaven and on the earth. We've seen incredible answers to prayer
Pray is multi dimentional...
PRAISE
Psalm 100:4
Praise is not boring! It's an opportunity to bring our thanks to an amazing God for who he is and for all he has done
STILLNESS
Pslam 46:10
There is a time to be still, not to worry...but know that He is God
CONFIDENCE
1 John 5:14-15
Ask...be confident, ask and keep on asking
MEDITATION
Psalm 119:14
Think about it and think about it again...meditate!
Chew it over. Turn over his thoughts in your life
DESPERATION
Psalm 34:17
Not just emotion but be desperate for the things of God
Content BUT wanting more!
Effective prayer is Transparent
James 5:16
Be real! Be able to say to your friends I got this right I got this wrong
When ordinary people pray extraordinary things happen
Be authentic...things happen!
Psalm 139:23
Don't get so religious about pray...more imperfect people in church...finding healing and wholeness
Psalm 14:4
When ordinary people pray with humility and transparency extraordinary things happen
Effective prayer is Unselfish
James 5:16
Pray for others so that you might be healed!
Effective prayer knows it's authority
James 5:16
What makes prayer effective?
Is it eloquence? No
The length of the prayer? No
Is it telling God and everybody else everything...all the detail? No
The most effective prayer...just ask the Father in the name of Jesus
It's ok to pray about the things we don't have....resources, confidence etc As long as we say BUT with what I do have I give to you! Here I am...
Effective prayer is Fervent
James 5:16
What is fervency? It's passion yes, but it is indignation. This is not right I want to see it changed. When were we last indignant? God doesn't think it's right too...so we ask and keep asking until it changes
Effective prayer is Righteous
James 5:16
Our righteouness comes from God...it's not about how good we are. Knowing that we are forgiven.
Sin...I'm a sinner. We need help, we need God in our lives. Find forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. We are not left unrighteous...made right in him.
Extraordinary things happen when ordinary people pray effective prayers.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
When Ordinary People Connect
Another great morning in church. Mark Wilkins spoke on "When Ordinary People...Connect", the third message in this series.
True connections go beyond simple communication. When ordinary people connect extraordinary things happen.
Thd Ordinary life is important to God, the mundane, the everday stuff...that is where we practice our faith! Don't get caught up in the big events! It's in the space of the everday where God wants to walk with us. He's interested in YOU!
Ruth 1:1-22 - Great connection - vs 14
Ruth 2:1-23
Everday, ordinary, mundane life....story of Ruth. Why was her story important? God connections. Ruth gave birth to Obed...the father of Jesse, the father of David. All from Ruth's life of remaining connected! Used by God to bring Jesus into the world! Marriage is an ordinary connection where incredible extraordinary things can happen.
Acts 2:13-17 Ordinary men, nobodies! Yet the rulers and authorities saw the extraordinary impact they were having on the people
Jesus saw something special in the lives of these ordinary guys
Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:1-3) - God calls the two of them, he calls people together to partner for establishing his church. They went together.
The church today is like that God calling us together 0rdinay people connecting seeing the extraordinary happen
Disconnection is what the devil wants. Loneliness, divorce, relationship breakdown
Luke 8:29- We're not called to live disconnected lives
We're called to be connected to people...do life together.
How do we get better at connecting? Principles of great connections...
1. Connecting is all about others - putting others first
Supporting other people. Peter and John gave up their fish, careers, to follow Jesus
2. Connecting is about finding common ground
What are we both interested in, our purpose, doing life together. Find common ground with the people
3. Connecting requires effort/energy
Go to connect groups, put the time in, invest. Ruth put the energy and effort into her connections. Peter and John gave their all, as did Paul and Barnabas in building the church!
God uses these ordinary connections and does the extraordinary the miraculous! God uses the ordinary!
True connections go beyond simple communication. When ordinary people connect extraordinary things happen.
Thd Ordinary life is important to God, the mundane, the everday stuff...that is where we practice our faith! Don't get caught up in the big events! It's in the space of the everday where God wants to walk with us. He's interested in YOU!
Ruth 1:1-22 - Great connection - vs 14
Ruth 2:1-23
Everday, ordinary, mundane life....story of Ruth. Why was her story important? God connections. Ruth gave birth to Obed...the father of Jesse, the father of David. All from Ruth's life of remaining connected! Used by God to bring Jesus into the world! Marriage is an ordinary connection where incredible extraordinary things can happen.
Acts 2:13-17 Ordinary men, nobodies! Yet the rulers and authorities saw the extraordinary impact they were having on the people
Jesus saw something special in the lives of these ordinary guys
Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:1-3) - God calls the two of them, he calls people together to partner for establishing his church. They went together.
The church today is like that God calling us together 0rdinay people connecting seeing the extraordinary happen
Disconnection is what the devil wants. Loneliness, divorce, relationship breakdown
Luke 8:29- We're not called to live disconnected lives
We're called to be connected to people...do life together.
How do we get better at connecting? Principles of great connections...
1. Connecting is all about others - putting others first
Supporting other people. Peter and John gave up their fish, careers, to follow Jesus
2. Connecting is about finding common ground
What are we both interested in, our purpose, doing life together. Find common ground with the people
3. Connecting requires effort/energy
Go to connect groups, put the time in, invest. Ruth put the energy and effort into her connections. Peter and John gave their all, as did Paul and Barnabas in building the church!
God uses these ordinary connections and does the extraordinary the miraculous! God uses the ordinary!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
When Ordinary People Receive and Give
Great morning in church. CLC was full-on! Paul Benger continued this excellent series, When Ordinary People....
When Ordinary People receive & give...Extraordinary things can happen!
Matthew 25:14-30
The master gives talents! Each according to their ability...how our spirit our attitude is.
Romans 12:6-8...give generously! Cheerfully! How we will give...not just what will we give.
Having a spirit of faith...that it will grow and multiply. Have a spirit of generosity
Being merciful...cheerfully, not begrudgingly. Steward the gifts well that he has given to us, this new life that we have been given. See the gift as a blessing not as a burden (don't bury it!)
1 Peter 3:4 - Inner self beauty...not just outward
Psalm 51:12
God is generous and he is willing...not stingy! What is in our spirit? Don't underestimate the value that your spirit brings. Extraordinary things happen when you and I receive and give.
God even believes in the one talent person (only he didn't believe in himself)
We can't allow negative things to control our spirit. Know that God believes in you!
Three things that helps us live in a right spirit...
1. Live with a spirit that recognises the masters goodness
Don't get a wrong view of the master (like the guy in our story) See God right and we'll begin to live right
Psalm 119:68 - you are good and you do good!
Psalm 11:7
Hebrews 11:6
God takes something small and grows it...we've had something small and insignificant and by faith seen it grow. Look for life hope and opportunity...
2. Live with a spirit that freely receives and freely gives
Matthew 10:8
We can find gifts difficult to receive. Is there something that flows from God to you today so that you can give? Jesus says give and it shall be given to you
3. Live with a spirit that's committed to advancing the masters kingdom
Church is all about God and people. Live with a spirit that knows what matters to God, what is right. It is people! The poor, physically and spiritually.
Mark 14:3-7
Let's live committed to building the Masters Kingdom. Committed to both the physical and spiritual poor!
When Ordinary People receive & give...Extraordinary things can happen!
Matthew 25:14-30
The master gives talents! Each according to their ability...how our spirit our attitude is.
Romans 12:6-8...give generously! Cheerfully! How we will give...not just what will we give.
Having a spirit of faith...that it will grow and multiply. Have a spirit of generosity
Being merciful...cheerfully, not begrudgingly. Steward the gifts well that he has given to us, this new life that we have been given. See the gift as a blessing not as a burden (don't bury it!)
1 Peter 3:4 - Inner self beauty...not just outward
Psalm 51:12
God is generous and he is willing...not stingy! What is in our spirit? Don't underestimate the value that your spirit brings. Extraordinary things happen when you and I receive and give.
God even believes in the one talent person (only he didn't believe in himself)
We can't allow negative things to control our spirit. Know that God believes in you!
Three things that helps us live in a right spirit...
1. Live with a spirit that recognises the masters goodness
Don't get a wrong view of the master (like the guy in our story) See God right and we'll begin to live right
Psalm 119:68 - you are good and you do good!
Psalm 11:7
Hebrews 11:6
God takes something small and grows it...we've had something small and insignificant and by faith seen it grow. Look for life hope and opportunity...
2. Live with a spirit that freely receives and freely gives
Matthew 10:8
We can find gifts difficult to receive. Is there something that flows from God to you today so that you can give? Jesus says give and it shall be given to you
3. Live with a spirit that's committed to advancing the masters kingdom
Church is all about God and people. Live with a spirit that knows what matters to God, what is right. It is people! The poor, physically and spiritually.
Mark 14:3-7
Let's live committed to building the Masters Kingdom. Committed to both the physical and spiritual poor!
Sunday, July 04, 2010
When Ordinary People Serve
Fabulous morning in Church. We began a new series, When Ordinary People.... Nathan Benger started it off with an excellent message, When Ordinary People Serve.
Extraordinary things happen...when people serve
Ordinary people, normal! When ordinary people give
The servant heart of the ordinary opens up the expansive life in God
God gave Abraham a dream... The impossible to be made possibe
He gives us dreams...making the impossible possible!
Hebrews 11:8-12
Seemingly impossible God connected the power of possibility
Vs 9 he was living in a tent! Ever camped?! Nothing like living in a tent to connect with the ground...with the dust
1. The dust of the ground is the domain of servants
(the stars for the kings and princes)
When we serve we become the perfect fit for all of his plans and purposes
Matt 20:26-28
Jesus came to serve not to be served
We often aquaint being a servant as being at the bottom...working our way up
2. The dust of the ground is where great things happen
Don't underestimTe what God can do with you and I
That is where the servant nature begins in the dust of the ground
Servant heart is a sacrificial heart
Proverbs 18:16
Expansiveness comes from a giving heart
Prov 25:6...humility
Greatness is ground out in the heart of a servant
Prov 11:24
Servant heart is a heart of humility
Matt 23:12
He that is faithful in little will be faithful in much
Learn to be a servant to be great
Pslam 112:9
If you have a dream serve. Don't underestimate the power of servanthood
3. The principle of the dust never changes
Sowing and reaping...this never changes. What got you where you are will keep you there.
In the dust the ordinary becomes the extraordinary!
If we have a servant heart when we approach the day to day mundane we will see the extraordinary, the great!
Jesus came to serve and was exalted
Don't loose sight of this.
Not from the ground up but from a position of kingship.
See the potential in each one of us as we serve the vision of this church
We want to see lives equipped and realeased to serve Christ and the vision of the house
Let people see the servant heart of this house
When you see people rise up from the position of a servant heart...the spirit to serve the whole body of Christ, great things will happen
Pray that we will be people that recognise that as we serve faithfully God will turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!
Extraordinary things happen...when people serve
Ordinary people, normal! When ordinary people give
The servant heart of the ordinary opens up the expansive life in God
God gave Abraham a dream... The impossible to be made possibe
He gives us dreams...making the impossible possible!
Hebrews 11:8-12
Seemingly impossible God connected the power of possibility
Vs 9 he was living in a tent! Ever camped?! Nothing like living in a tent to connect with the ground...with the dust
1. The dust of the ground is the domain of servants
(the stars for the kings and princes)
When we serve we become the perfect fit for all of his plans and purposes
Matt 20:26-28
Jesus came to serve not to be served
We often aquaint being a servant as being at the bottom...working our way up
2. The dust of the ground is where great things happen
Don't underestimTe what God can do with you and I
That is where the servant nature begins in the dust of the ground
Servant heart is a sacrificial heart
Proverbs 18:16
Expansiveness comes from a giving heart
Prov 25:6...humility
Greatness is ground out in the heart of a servant
Prov 11:24
Servant heart is a heart of humility
Matt 23:12
He that is faithful in little will be faithful in much
Learn to be a servant to be great
Pslam 112:9
If you have a dream serve. Don't underestimate the power of servanthood
3. The principle of the dust never changes
Sowing and reaping...this never changes. What got you where you are will keep you there.
In the dust the ordinary becomes the extraordinary!
If we have a servant heart when we approach the day to day mundane we will see the extraordinary, the great!
Jesus came to serve and was exalted
Don't loose sight of this.
Not from the ground up but from a position of kingship.
See the potential in each one of us as we serve the vision of this church
We want to see lives equipped and realeased to serve Christ and the vision of the house
Let people see the servant heart of this house
When you see people rise up from the position of a servant heart...the spirit to serve the whole body of Christ, great things will happen
Pray that we will be people that recognise that as we serve faithfully God will turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
One Prayer - Unstoppable Presence
Great morning at CLC, our final message from the One Prayer series. Paul Benger spoke about Unstoppable Presence.
When we realise that God is with us there is an unstoppable quality...unstoppable presence
John 5:1-15 (NLT)
People travel even today to places looking for a special touch from God...buy holy water!
Pool people or presence people?
Presence people believe that God is with them.
Presence people are unstoppable!
Pool people...are going to be there for a very long time...waiting meetings
Just receive!
Pool people have a negative perspective...I can't, fear, can't go forward, expect the worse, no way not me...I'm excluded
No friend to help me
Presence people believe that God is with them
Pool people - excuse ridden, find all the reasons not to...blame others. Presence thinking...this is the day! Pool people are stuck in the past.
Jesus says 3 things...(for Presence People)
1. Presence People have vision, kingdom values believing for kingdom things
Jesus sees our predicament but that's not all he sees there is always a better day!
You are this now BUT you will be...he knows everything about us.
Pray your kingdom come...visionary statement. We see this now but look at what's about to happen! The best is yet to come!
2. Presence People take God at his word
Pool people say why not, why they can't. God says why not?
Take Jesus at his word...follow me, trust...live out the word of God in our lives.
This man was healed on the Sabbath... Broke the rules! All they could see was that he'd done it on the wrong day. What an awful way to live...Jesus was showing us the generous heart of God. Not restricting, legalistic...but freedom for the captives sight for the blind! Word of God is generous.
3. Presence People believe choices are more powerful than curses
Curses passed down...believe in this system.
Jesus says you are free now go and sin no more.
What you choose today will either set you free or bind you
He gives us the power to make good choices
Choose life that you might live
Pool people blame their circumstances
Presence People make the right choices despite their circumstances
Jesus wants us to know the power of choices today
Choose your attitude today
Choose your countenance today
Choose your disposition today
Pool people can act like victims
Choose life because that's what presence people do!
When we realise that God is with us there is an unstoppable quality...unstoppable presence
John 5:1-15 (NLT)
People travel even today to places looking for a special touch from God...buy holy water!
Pool people or presence people?
Presence people believe that God is with them.
Presence people are unstoppable!
Pool people...are going to be there for a very long time...waiting meetings
Just receive!
Pool people have a negative perspective...I can't, fear, can't go forward, expect the worse, no way not me...I'm excluded
No friend to help me
Presence people believe that God is with them
Pool people - excuse ridden, find all the reasons not to...blame others. Presence thinking...this is the day! Pool people are stuck in the past.
Jesus says 3 things...(for Presence People)
1. Presence People have vision, kingdom values believing for kingdom things
Jesus sees our predicament but that's not all he sees there is always a better day!
You are this now BUT you will be...he knows everything about us.
Pray your kingdom come...visionary statement. We see this now but look at what's about to happen! The best is yet to come!
2. Presence People take God at his word
Pool people say why not, why they can't. God says why not?
Take Jesus at his word...follow me, trust...live out the word of God in our lives.
This man was healed on the Sabbath... Broke the rules! All they could see was that he'd done it on the wrong day. What an awful way to live...Jesus was showing us the generous heart of God. Not restricting, legalistic...but freedom for the captives sight for the blind! Word of God is generous.
3. Presence People believe choices are more powerful than curses
Curses passed down...believe in this system.
Jesus says you are free now go and sin no more.
What you choose today will either set you free or bind you
He gives us the power to make good choices
Choose life that you might live
Pool people blame their circumstances
Presence People make the right choices despite their circumstances
Jesus wants us to know the power of choices today
Choose your attitude today
Choose your countenance today
Choose your disposition today
Pool people can act like victims
Choose life because that's what presence people do!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
One Prayer - Unstoppable Love
Great time in church this morning. Week three of our One Prayer series, Dino Rizzo spoke about 'Unstoppable Love'
LOVE - 3 most powerful words 'I love you'
Remember the first time you heard or said those 3 words? The presence of those words makes a difference or the lack of those words too. The game changes!
There is so much we see and here around that theme...love story!
1 Cor 13....what it means to walk in unstoppable love. The 3 Pillars that we need in our lives, church, home etc
One that stands above all these...LOVE
Lived out in the life of Jesus
Agape love...the unstppable love, given wihtout repayment.
Selfless love...complete, unconditional
Gods love is a difference maker....it changes life...transforms
We don't want this kind of love to be a theory...How does it relate to our own life?
3 ways...application
1. Unstoppable Love is somethiing that is crystal clear
Vs 1 - clarity , not just noise
Consistency not a clanging cymbal
If we have all ideas and theories but don't bring it down to how we live....it's noise and nobody hears us!
Crystal clear sound of hope forgiveness life changing encounter with Jesus Christ
2. Unstoppable Love...it never fails
As God's love is poured out it will change a community
Let it be poured out...it never fails
When you're consistence with the love of God... It wins over and never fails...Transforming!
3. Unstoppable Love is the greatest force on the planet today
The love of Jesus will reach into a persons heart and heal, transform, make new again
Serve your way into the hearts of people. It's the greatest thing!
Vs 13 love. Love God and love others, Jesus command to us
3 great forces motivate the church today. When you narrow it down at the top of list is LOVE. Not just in words but in practical ways also
Opens the door to hearts...Unstoppable Love of God
It will sacrifice, it will never give up on you. It Shouts louder than all the voices around you!
Jesus = unstoppable love of God
Laid down his life...forgave us
LOVE - 3 most powerful words 'I love you'
Remember the first time you heard or said those 3 words? The presence of those words makes a difference or the lack of those words too. The game changes!
There is so much we see and here around that theme...love story!
1 Cor 13....what it means to walk in unstoppable love. The 3 Pillars that we need in our lives, church, home etc
One that stands above all these...LOVE
Lived out in the life of Jesus
Agape love...the unstppable love, given wihtout repayment.
Selfless love...complete, unconditional
Gods love is a difference maker....it changes life...transforms
We don't want this kind of love to be a theory...How does it relate to our own life?
3 ways...application
1. Unstoppable Love is somethiing that is crystal clear
Vs 1 - clarity , not just noise
Consistency not a clanging cymbal
If we have all ideas and theories but don't bring it down to how we live....it's noise and nobody hears us!
Crystal clear sound of hope forgiveness life changing encounter with Jesus Christ
2. Unstoppable Love...it never fails
As God's love is poured out it will change a community
Let it be poured out...it never fails
When you're consistence with the love of God... It wins over and never fails...Transforming!
3. Unstoppable Love is the greatest force on the planet today
The love of Jesus will reach into a persons heart and heal, transform, make new again
Serve your way into the hearts of people. It's the greatest thing!
Vs 13 love. Love God and love others, Jesus command to us
3 great forces motivate the church today. When you narrow it down at the top of list is LOVE. Not just in words but in practical ways also
Opens the door to hearts...Unstoppable Love of God
It will sacrifice, it will never give up on you. It Shouts louder than all the voices around you!
Jesus = unstoppable love of God
Laid down his life...forgave us
Monday, June 14, 2010
One Prayer - Unstoppable Life
We continued with our One Prayer series in church yesterday. Brian Houston, Senior Pastor of Hillsong Sydney spoke a life changing message…living an unstoppable life.
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.
Don't stop when something ends ie era, season, relationship, business etc. It’s just the beginning of the something else.
Revelation 22:13 - I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End
The devil tries to stop us living our lives in an unstoppable way. He wants us to just give up. In the seasons of life the enemy wants to park at the end of it and stop us moving on.
We've come to an end and we wonder where God is in all of this. Face disillusionment, regret, disappointment.
God wants us to live an unstoppable life...God is still at the end of an era.
Regret is one of the biggest seeds the enemy sows, an emotion that attaches itself at the end of things.
Hebrews 3:14 - We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first
We start out in life with a dream and we can hold that confidence all the way!
Philippians 1:6 - being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
Don't let the end mark the completion of your life. It's not over!
3 things that we should remember when we reach the end of something....
1) Always believe the best for the future
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
Future hope…read verse 11 in context...
Jeremiah 29:4-6 - This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.
Build, plant - keep living! Prepare for the future harvest. Think Future! Live an unstoppable life!
2) Talk to the Future
Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever
Psalm 45:1 - My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skilful writer
My heart overflows with a good theme...what is our hearts theme? My Tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Speak well of the future not negativity, it’s not the end. The best is yet to come! Don’t look back at a yesteryear saying it was better back then.
3) Commit to the Future
As long as we hold onto something that has finished it stops us from committing to the future.
We need to let go and move on into our future. Commit to the mountain. Decide you're not going to hold onto something that has finished.
It's over but you're not finished…the best is yet to come!
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.
Don't stop when something ends ie era, season, relationship, business etc. It’s just the beginning of the something else.
Revelation 22:13 - I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End
The devil tries to stop us living our lives in an unstoppable way. He wants us to just give up. In the seasons of life the enemy wants to park at the end of it and stop us moving on.
We've come to an end and we wonder where God is in all of this. Face disillusionment, regret, disappointment.
God wants us to live an unstoppable life...God is still at the end of an era.
Regret is one of the biggest seeds the enemy sows, an emotion that attaches itself at the end of things.
Hebrews 3:14 - We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first
We start out in life with a dream and we can hold that confidence all the way!
Philippians 1:6 - being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
Don't let the end mark the completion of your life. It's not over!
3 things that we should remember when we reach the end of something....
1) Always believe the best for the future
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
Future hope…read verse 11 in context...
Jeremiah 29:4-6 - This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.
Build, plant - keep living! Prepare for the future harvest. Think Future! Live an unstoppable life!
2) Talk to the Future
Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever
Psalm 45:1 - My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skilful writer
My heart overflows with a good theme...what is our hearts theme? My Tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Speak well of the future not negativity, it’s not the end. The best is yet to come! Don’t look back at a yesteryear saying it was better back then.
3) Commit to the Future
As long as we hold onto something that has finished it stops us from committing to the future.
We need to let go and move on into our future. Commit to the mountain. Decide you're not going to hold onto something that has finished.
It's over but you're not finished…the best is yet to come!
Sunday, June 06, 2010
One Prayer – Unstoppable Courage
Great day at CLC. We began our new series in church this morning. As part of our One Prayer season throughout the month of June we started with an excellent message from Craig Groeschel on the subject of Unstoppable Courage.
‘The path to your greatest potential is often straight through your greatest fear’
What is your greatest fear? Failure? Conflict? Rejection? Never being good enough?
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind
God wants to give you unstoppable courage.
2 Samuel 23:20-21 – (20) Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. (21) And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear.
Benaiah was one of the top 5 soldiers in Israel. He was a General in the Israeli army and he was the Captain of King David’s bodyguards.
Verse 20 shows us that he was an unstoppable and courageous warrior, who went down into a pit and killed a lion!
‘People with real faith chase lions!’ They don’t let their fears stop them from what they’re called to do. Normal people fall into the trap of allowing their fears stop them…they live with regrets.
How do your fears effect your daily living…what lions are you facing today?
Chase that lion! When God calls you don’t let fear and those lions stop you from answering that call.
What lion do we need to chase?
Two very important qualities of those who have unstoppable courage…
1) People with Unstoppable Courage know that the BIGGER their God is the smaller the lion becomes
Daniel also had a lion experience
Daniel 6:20-22 – When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king."
So often today we can think of God as being somebody else’s. How big is your God? My God is a BIG God!
Look at God and not at the Lion!
2) People with Unstoppable Courage understand that playing it safe is Risky
Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him
There is no such thing a risk-free faith. Real faith – you can see it and you can feel it!
Imagine if David had walked away from Goliath
Imagine if Jesus had walked away from the Cross
Benaiah was afraid but he did it anyway! Feel the fear and do it anyway! Look at God and step into faith and out of fear. You can…with God!
Walk by Faith
You do the believable and let God do the unbelievable!
You do the ordinary and let God do the extraordinary!
‘The path to your greatest potential is often straight through your greatest fear’
What is your greatest fear? Failure? Conflict? Rejection? Never being good enough?
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind
God wants to give you unstoppable courage.
2 Samuel 23:20-21 – (20) Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. (21) And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear.
Benaiah was one of the top 5 soldiers in Israel. He was a General in the Israeli army and he was the Captain of King David’s bodyguards.
Verse 20 shows us that he was an unstoppable and courageous warrior, who went down into a pit and killed a lion!
‘People with real faith chase lions!’ They don’t let their fears stop them from what they’re called to do. Normal people fall into the trap of allowing their fears stop them…they live with regrets.
How do your fears effect your daily living…what lions are you facing today?
Chase that lion! When God calls you don’t let fear and those lions stop you from answering that call.
What lion do we need to chase?
Two very important qualities of those who have unstoppable courage…
1) People with Unstoppable Courage know that the BIGGER their God is the smaller the lion becomes
Daniel also had a lion experience
Daniel 6:20-22 – When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king."
So often today we can think of God as being somebody else’s. How big is your God? My God is a BIG God!
Look at God and not at the Lion!
2) People with Unstoppable Courage understand that playing it safe is Risky
Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him
There is no such thing a risk-free faith. Real faith – you can see it and you can feel it!
Imagine if David had walked away from Goliath
Imagine if Jesus had walked away from the Cross
Benaiah was afraid but he did it anyway! Feel the fear and do it anyway! Look at God and step into faith and out of fear. You can…with God!
Walk by Faith
You do the believable and let God do the unbelievable!
You do the ordinary and let God do the extraordinary!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Ephesians 6 - God Protects
Another great morning in church today…Gavin Lloyd spoke from Ephesians 6 (God Protects) the final chapter in our series on the book Ephesians.
Ephesians 6:10-20
The cry of the human heart is to fight. We will all be stirred by a noble cause.
Our greatest fights though are on the inside of us!
And yet… 'our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.'
This is a surprise to us because the battle really looks like flesh and blood! But Paul says it’s not!
2 Corinthians 10:4 - “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
God says that there will be times when He will fight with us and even fight for us!! The scripture says Exodus 15:3, “The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.”
Deuteronomy 3:22, “Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you”
Just before David goes into battle he says this, 1 Samuel 17:47, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
There is one who has also gone on to fight for our salvation – His name is Jesus
God Protects
He gives us all we need to take a stand.
So often Christians wear themselves out by being on the offensive all of the time. Obsessed with driving out rather than just taking a stand.
All we need to do is make sure we are in the places and positions that we’re meant to be…and then take a stand.
Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm (Abraham Lincoln)
Places of heart and attitude, worship, church and vision, leadership, calling etc.
Paul assures us that the enemy WILL come! Make sure we’re properly and suitably equipped for when that happens
STAND FIRM
When taking a STAND 4 things to remember…
1) Jesus is stronger
1 John 4:4 - Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world
Our God alone is all-powerful, all knowing and ever present! It’s important that we are aware of spiritual battles that go on everyday…but this reality is not meant to make us fearful to give us a fearful attitude or outlook, but to point us to God, His word and promises as a source of empowerment, equipping and strength.
Colossians 2:13-15
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross
Yes there is a struggle that goes on in an unseen realm we are reminded that our strength and ultimate victory can and will be found in Jesus. His power and work on the cross are the foundations of the confident spirit we are to face our daily trials and challenges with.
2) Put on all your armour
The armour works most effectively when all elements are deliberately put on every day.
We only need to make the decision to stand firm.
The Belt of Truth
Purpose of the Belt - The belt held the soldiers clothing next to their body to create an easier way to move. The belt was also used to strengthen and give support to the soldier.
Belt of truth = facts, truth, lack of deception
The truth that Paul is talking about is not from the opinions of our mind or what others might think. The truth that matters more than anything else is truth that comes from God. The belt of Truth is from God.
Christ is truth
The Word of God is truth
Living a life that follows truth
The belt of Truth:
Keeps us focused
Keeps us reminded
Keeps us supported
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Purpose of the breastplate: The breastplate was designed to protect the heart. The breastplate was a large plate of metal that extended from the neck down to the thighs.
Righteousness is the standing that we are given when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Jesus is the one who makes us right with God the Father. It is Jesus that gives us a right relationship with God. Righteousness is literally being made right…because of Christ.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
As Christians we are meant to protect our hearts from the power and corruption of sin.
The Sandals of Peace - Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
Go where your salvation leads you. Where to? Church – Sundays, midweek, good places. They won’t lead you to places where we’re not to meant go…but where we should go!
The peace that we have in Christ gives us a firm standing in any situation that life can throw at us.
The peace of Christ gives us the security to stand for Him when we need to do so.
Go to the right places…and then STAND FIRM!
The Shield of Faith
Purpose of the shield - to protect the soldier from arrow attacks. These types of shields were often covered with leather and soaked in water prior to battle. The purpose was to put out flames if needed.
In ancient battles arrows were often covered in pitch or some type of combustible material. The arrows were then lit and shot to act like a small incendiary bombs. This is the type of strategy that the devil uses against us.
He assaults us with fiery attacks to…
• Question our salvation
• Question our calling
• Question our involvement
• Cause doubt and wonder in our lives
• Become discouraged, depressed and defeated
The sign of the Christian soldier is that we are to place our complete trust in God. It is our faith that becomes our shield from the fiery attacks of the Devil.
It is faith that gives us the strength to stand when Christ calls. The power and presence of God is our shield in life.
The Helmet of salvation
Purpose of the helmet - The helmet is meant to give protection to the head and to the mind. There is no possible way for the soldier to be effective if the mind is lost.
Thus the mind becomes on of the most vital areas to protect.
For the Christian, salvation becomes the source of our protection over the core of our being. When we are saved, we are offered protection for our minds. Why is this so important?
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.
Battle for the mind! Holy Spirit…brings life and peace to our minds!
The Sword of the Spirit
Purpose of the sword - The sword was used for both offense and defense. The sword could be used to either fight off the enemy or to slay the enemy.
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.
Our sword is the word of God. The scriptures give us the ability to fight back against the schemes and the plans of the enemy.
3) We will stand in the end
God will not allow a skirmish to unfold more furious than we can handle. We can stand with our armour and know in the end we will stand.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it
4) We need each other
And the last verse encourages us to…
PRAY IN THE SPIRIT
Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
So fight for and alongside one another in prayer constantly.
Matthew 12:25 – “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand”
A house divided against itself cannot STAND
1 Corinthians 15:57-58
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
Ephesians 6:10-20
The cry of the human heart is to fight. We will all be stirred by a noble cause.
Our greatest fights though are on the inside of us!
And yet… 'our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.'
This is a surprise to us because the battle really looks like flesh and blood! But Paul says it’s not!
2 Corinthians 10:4 - “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
God says that there will be times when He will fight with us and even fight for us!! The scripture says Exodus 15:3, “The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.”
Deuteronomy 3:22, “Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you”
Just before David goes into battle he says this, 1 Samuel 17:47, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
There is one who has also gone on to fight for our salvation – His name is Jesus
God Protects
He gives us all we need to take a stand.
So often Christians wear themselves out by being on the offensive all of the time. Obsessed with driving out rather than just taking a stand.
All we need to do is make sure we are in the places and positions that we’re meant to be…and then take a stand.
Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm (Abraham Lincoln)
Places of heart and attitude, worship, church and vision, leadership, calling etc.
Paul assures us that the enemy WILL come! Make sure we’re properly and suitably equipped for when that happens
STAND FIRM
When taking a STAND 4 things to remember…
1) Jesus is stronger
1 John 4:4 - Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world
Our God alone is all-powerful, all knowing and ever present! It’s important that we are aware of spiritual battles that go on everyday…but this reality is not meant to make us fearful to give us a fearful attitude or outlook, but to point us to God, His word and promises as a source of empowerment, equipping and strength.
Colossians 2:13-15
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross
Yes there is a struggle that goes on in an unseen realm we are reminded that our strength and ultimate victory can and will be found in Jesus. His power and work on the cross are the foundations of the confident spirit we are to face our daily trials and challenges with.
2) Put on all your armour
The armour works most effectively when all elements are deliberately put on every day.
We only need to make the decision to stand firm.
The Belt of Truth
Purpose of the Belt - The belt held the soldiers clothing next to their body to create an easier way to move. The belt was also used to strengthen and give support to the soldier.
Belt of truth = facts, truth, lack of deception
The truth that Paul is talking about is not from the opinions of our mind or what others might think. The truth that matters more than anything else is truth that comes from God. The belt of Truth is from God.
Christ is truth
The Word of God is truth
Living a life that follows truth
The belt of Truth:
Keeps us focused
Keeps us reminded
Keeps us supported
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Purpose of the breastplate: The breastplate was designed to protect the heart. The breastplate was a large plate of metal that extended from the neck down to the thighs.
Righteousness is the standing that we are given when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Jesus is the one who makes us right with God the Father. It is Jesus that gives us a right relationship with God. Righteousness is literally being made right…because of Christ.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
As Christians we are meant to protect our hearts from the power and corruption of sin.
The Sandals of Peace - Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
Go where your salvation leads you. Where to? Church – Sundays, midweek, good places. They won’t lead you to places where we’re not to meant go…but where we should go!
The peace that we have in Christ gives us a firm standing in any situation that life can throw at us.
The peace of Christ gives us the security to stand for Him when we need to do so.
Go to the right places…and then STAND FIRM!
The Shield of Faith
Purpose of the shield - to protect the soldier from arrow attacks. These types of shields were often covered with leather and soaked in water prior to battle. The purpose was to put out flames if needed.
In ancient battles arrows were often covered in pitch or some type of combustible material. The arrows were then lit and shot to act like a small incendiary bombs. This is the type of strategy that the devil uses against us.
He assaults us with fiery attacks to…
• Question our salvation
• Question our calling
• Question our involvement
• Cause doubt and wonder in our lives
• Become discouraged, depressed and defeated
The sign of the Christian soldier is that we are to place our complete trust in God. It is our faith that becomes our shield from the fiery attacks of the Devil.
It is faith that gives us the strength to stand when Christ calls. The power and presence of God is our shield in life.
The Helmet of salvation
Purpose of the helmet - The helmet is meant to give protection to the head and to the mind. There is no possible way for the soldier to be effective if the mind is lost.
Thus the mind becomes on of the most vital areas to protect.
For the Christian, salvation becomes the source of our protection over the core of our being. When we are saved, we are offered protection for our minds. Why is this so important?
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.
Battle for the mind! Holy Spirit…brings life and peace to our minds!
The Sword of the Spirit
Purpose of the sword - The sword was used for both offense and defense. The sword could be used to either fight off the enemy or to slay the enemy.
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.
Our sword is the word of God. The scriptures give us the ability to fight back against the schemes and the plans of the enemy.
3) We will stand in the end
God will not allow a skirmish to unfold more furious than we can handle. We can stand with our armour and know in the end we will stand.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it
4) We need each other
And the last verse encourages us to…
PRAY IN THE SPIRIT
Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
So fight for and alongside one another in prayer constantly.
Matthew 12:25 – “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand”
A house divided against itself cannot STAND
1 Corinthians 15:57-58
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
How to exit one season and enter another
This was the start of a special day for us at CLC. A great morning with an excellent message from Paul Benger on how to exit one season and enter another.
Exodus 14:5-25
Seasons change. Most people hope that it will be summer all of the time. Some Christians believe that they will go from summer to summer. But there is more than one season. Even in winter, deep beneath the surface, God is at work!
The Children of Israel had experienced one long winter season…Egypt. Yet this was their day, the day when Moses came back from 40 years in the wilderness, the day when they would leave one season and enter another.
When God is fulfilling his promise you don’t always recognise it…sometimes your focus remains on the day to days. The Children of Israel were going through a time like this.
“Why did you take us out of Egypt?” They couldn’t see what God was doing. Are we like that at the moment? Stuff to be done and we can’t see God in it all.
Transitions are so important, they keep us moving forward. God is saying to us today, “Keep moving forward”.
Exodus 14:13-15 - But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!
Just stay calm, don’t be afraid…chill out! Moses is telling the people this, that God is on your side. In private he is crying out to God…he is panicking! God says, ‘tell the people to go forward’.
What are you doing? Are you moving forward? Moses was bold with the people and yet negative with God.
Don’t be tempted to hang about…get moving! Serve God, don’t hold back. It is a new season for you and for us as a church…a season of growth, miracles, favour, hope!
4 keys that help us move from one season to the next…
1) Don’t say it was better back then
Exodus 14:11-12 – and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”
When we keep looking back it becomes increasingly frustrating. Don’t tie our lives to the past, tie it to the future that God has for us.
If we drive our cars constantly looking in the rear view mirror we’re going to CRASH!
Only look back at what Christ has done for you…at what he accomplished at the cross. Be thankful but keep moving into your future.
2) Use what you have in your hand
Exodus 14:15-16 - Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.
Recognise the potential God has put in you. We can’t suddenly have in our hands what somebody else has in theirs. Use, with faith, what we have in our hand right now.
David tried to wear Saul’s armour…but in the end had to use what God had placed in his hand.
3) Keep your focus on God not the problem or the enemy
Exodus 14:13-14 – But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Just stay calm! God is BIG. He is STRONGER! He will fight for us, he is our strength and shield.
Jesus said, ‘I Will build my church’. Always remember what God has promised.
4) Have faith for the future
Exodus 14:13-14 – But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Abraham Lincoln, ‘…always remember it is a slip and not a fall….failure is not final’
Proverbs 18:21 – The tongue has the power of life and death
Let us keep talking about the future. Have faith for a bigger and better future!
Exodus 14:5-25
Seasons change. Most people hope that it will be summer all of the time. Some Christians believe that they will go from summer to summer. But there is more than one season. Even in winter, deep beneath the surface, God is at work!
The Children of Israel had experienced one long winter season…Egypt. Yet this was their day, the day when Moses came back from 40 years in the wilderness, the day when they would leave one season and enter another.
When God is fulfilling his promise you don’t always recognise it…sometimes your focus remains on the day to days. The Children of Israel were going through a time like this.
“Why did you take us out of Egypt?” They couldn’t see what God was doing. Are we like that at the moment? Stuff to be done and we can’t see God in it all.
Transitions are so important, they keep us moving forward. God is saying to us today, “Keep moving forward”.
Exodus 14:13-15 - But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!
Just stay calm, don’t be afraid…chill out! Moses is telling the people this, that God is on your side. In private he is crying out to God…he is panicking! God says, ‘tell the people to go forward’.
What are you doing? Are you moving forward? Moses was bold with the people and yet negative with God.
Don’t be tempted to hang about…get moving! Serve God, don’t hold back. It is a new season for you and for us as a church…a season of growth, miracles, favour, hope!
4 keys that help us move from one season to the next…
1) Don’t say it was better back then
Exodus 14:11-12 – and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”
When we keep looking back it becomes increasingly frustrating. Don’t tie our lives to the past, tie it to the future that God has for us.
If we drive our cars constantly looking in the rear view mirror we’re going to CRASH!
Only look back at what Christ has done for you…at what he accomplished at the cross. Be thankful but keep moving into your future.
2) Use what you have in your hand
Exodus 14:15-16 - Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.
Recognise the potential God has put in you. We can’t suddenly have in our hands what somebody else has in theirs. Use, with faith, what we have in our hand right now.
David tried to wear Saul’s armour…but in the end had to use what God had placed in his hand.
3) Keep your focus on God not the problem or the enemy
Exodus 14:13-14 – But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Just stay calm! God is BIG. He is STRONGER! He will fight for us, he is our strength and shield.
Jesus said, ‘I Will build my church’. Always remember what God has promised.
4) Have faith for the future
Exodus 14:13-14 – But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Abraham Lincoln, ‘…always remember it is a slip and not a fall….failure is not final’
Proverbs 18:21 – The tongue has the power of life and death
Let us keep talking about the future. Have faith for a bigger and better future!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
How to win a battle you didn’t see coming
Great morning at CLC, Paul Benger spoke an excellent message on the subject of ‘winning battles we didn’t see coming’.
Exodus 17:8-16
How were the Israelites going to win this battle? They had been wandering in the wilderness because of the fear and the lack of faith of the ten spies.
Moses was continually frustrated at the people of Israel and their negative outlook on their circumstances. He had become a ‘manager’ of the people rather than a ‘leader’.
Here we find them at a place of rest, when an unexpected army rises up against them. Here they didn’t need a democratic vote on what to do; they needed leadership that says ‘we can do it!’
We all face unexpected battles from time to time. Here are 3 keys that show us how to win those battles we didn’t see coming…
1) Get yourself in the right position
Exodus 17:9 – Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
Moses knew that the battles they faced were spiritual and not just physical. There are things that are bigger than we are. We need to remember our limitations.
Let us fight and pray. Do what we can do and let God do what he will do.
Let us get positioned correctly…on the mountain top in prayer. Lift our hands to God…this says I am relying on God, that the battle belongs to the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds
This battle was being won by faith. As we position ourselves on the mountain top it gives us a different perspective…God’s perspective.
Prayer changes things. Moses saw that when his hands were up they were winning the battle, but when his hands were down they began to lose.
Hear the voice of God…to do that we sometimes need to switch our voices off!
Psalm 27:1-6 – The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
When the day of trouble comes let us remain within the House of God where we find shelter and safety…where He sets us UP!
2) Get yourself in the right posture
Exodus 17:11-13 – As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
This battle was won sitting down with hands raised up.
Battles can sometimes last longer than anticipated. We therefore need to find a place of rest in the midst of the battle. They’re not won in striving but in rest.
Battles can make us weary and worn-out. We need to find rest in who God is…and the work he has done in our lives.
Hand raised up is the universal sign for SUBMISSION. That we are surrendered to God…that he knows better than you and me.
It is also the universal sign for PRAISE. We don’t often feel like praising in the midst of the fight and yet,
Hebrews 13:15 – Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Submission and praise wins the battle! Jesus is Lord! God will thrive in any circumstance…He is the same God wherever we find ourselves.
We also need to know how to hold one anothers hands up…which is why being in the House of God is so important to us when we are in a battle. What you do for others God will do for you.
As well as holding up people we also need to hold up the vision that God has given us.
3) Get yourself with the right people
Exodus 17:12-13 – When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword
Moses didn’t go up the mountain alone…he went with people who would hold him up.
Let us walk with people who will hold us up. Relationships that are God given. Probably 90-95% of what God does in our lives is through other people.
Let us remain humble so that we can hear what other people say to us and let God speak to us through them.
Having the right people in our lives is so important in winning those unexpected battles.
Exodus 17:8-16
How were the Israelites going to win this battle? They had been wandering in the wilderness because of the fear and the lack of faith of the ten spies.
Moses was continually frustrated at the people of Israel and their negative outlook on their circumstances. He had become a ‘manager’ of the people rather than a ‘leader’.
Here we find them at a place of rest, when an unexpected army rises up against them. Here they didn’t need a democratic vote on what to do; they needed leadership that says ‘we can do it!’
We all face unexpected battles from time to time. Here are 3 keys that show us how to win those battles we didn’t see coming…
1) Get yourself in the right position
Exodus 17:9 – Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
Moses knew that the battles they faced were spiritual and not just physical. There are things that are bigger than we are. We need to remember our limitations.
Let us fight and pray. Do what we can do and let God do what he will do.
Let us get positioned correctly…on the mountain top in prayer. Lift our hands to God…this says I am relying on God, that the battle belongs to the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds
This battle was being won by faith. As we position ourselves on the mountain top it gives us a different perspective…God’s perspective.
Prayer changes things. Moses saw that when his hands were up they were winning the battle, but when his hands were down they began to lose.
Hear the voice of God…to do that we sometimes need to switch our voices off!
Psalm 27:1-6 – The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
When the day of trouble comes let us remain within the House of God where we find shelter and safety…where He sets us UP!
2) Get yourself in the right posture
Exodus 17:11-13 – As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
This battle was won sitting down with hands raised up.
Battles can sometimes last longer than anticipated. We therefore need to find a place of rest in the midst of the battle. They’re not won in striving but in rest.
Battles can make us weary and worn-out. We need to find rest in who God is…and the work he has done in our lives.
Hand raised up is the universal sign for SUBMISSION. That we are surrendered to God…that he knows better than you and me.
It is also the universal sign for PRAISE. We don’t often feel like praising in the midst of the fight and yet,
Hebrews 13:15 – Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Submission and praise wins the battle! Jesus is Lord! God will thrive in any circumstance…He is the same God wherever we find ourselves.
We also need to know how to hold one anothers hands up…which is why being in the House of God is so important to us when we are in a battle. What you do for others God will do for you.
As well as holding up people we also need to hold up the vision that God has given us.
3) Get yourself with the right people
Exodus 17:12-13 – When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword
Moses didn’t go up the mountain alone…he went with people who would hold him up.
Let us walk with people who will hold us up. Relationships that are God given. Probably 90-95% of what God does in our lives is through other people.
Let us remain humble so that we can hear what other people say to us and let God speak to us through them.
Having the right people in our lives is so important in winning those unexpected battles.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Ephesians 5
Another great morning at CLC, Paul Benger continued this excellent series on the book of Ephesians with a message called GOD FILLS AND EMPOWERS.
Ephesians 5:1-21
We’ve all got things in our lives we want to see changed. What effects our lives? My life doesn’t have to be determined by the economic climate…but can be determined by God’s power and the Holy Spirit at work in me.
Christianity can thrive in any environment, no matter what is going on around us. It’s not what’s around us that matters but what is inside of us.
Christianity is not a ‘make over’…it’s a transformation, God at work in us changing us by his power.
5 things from Ephesians 5 where God fills us and empowers us…
1) God fills us and empowers us to love
Ephesians 5:1-2 – Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God
Be imitators of God. This doesn’t mean copying God. Let his life flow out of us. He fills us and causes us to love.
When we love people we want the very best for them. Jesus didn’t compete with people he celebrated people. We’re not vying for position, competing against one another.
Love people that God will change.
2) God fills us and empowers us to live in light
Ephesians 5:8-9 – For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
Once we were in darkness, even the light inside of us was dark. All our good stuff was filthy.
But God put his spirit in us. We can now live another way. Live as people of the light. The enemy’s trick is to make the darkness appear like light and the light appear like darkness…don’t buy that!
You are a light in the darkness. Be the light, be yourself. Turn the light on!
3) God fills us and empowers us to live wise
Ephesians 5:15-17 – Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is
God knows more than we do. Live with his wisdom…knowing his will for our lives.
Don’t let your wisdom take you somewhere you’re not meant to go. He is wiser than us.
You might have missed opportunities from the past…God is going to give you those opportunities again.
4) God fills us and empowers us to live full of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 5:18-20 – Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Reject the notion of a pwerless Christianity. It’s not just a set of new values and stuff…it’s a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. It’s no makeover!
God gives us the power and grace to overcome. Whatever he asks us to do he empowers us to be able to do it!
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it
5) God fills us and empowers us to live submitted
Ephesians 5:21 – Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ
Get under the mission of your home, your church, your workplace. Being submitted to one another means we are under their mission.
MISSION
SUB
Everything that is not led goes nowhere! Servant leadership leads in a way that says how can I help you in what you are doing?
Ephesians 5:1-21
We’ve all got things in our lives we want to see changed. What effects our lives? My life doesn’t have to be determined by the economic climate…but can be determined by God’s power and the Holy Spirit at work in me.
Christianity can thrive in any environment, no matter what is going on around us. It’s not what’s around us that matters but what is inside of us.
Christianity is not a ‘make over’…it’s a transformation, God at work in us changing us by his power.
5 things from Ephesians 5 where God fills us and empowers us…
1) God fills us and empowers us to love
Ephesians 5:1-2 – Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God
Be imitators of God. This doesn’t mean copying God. Let his life flow out of us. He fills us and causes us to love.
When we love people we want the very best for them. Jesus didn’t compete with people he celebrated people. We’re not vying for position, competing against one another.
Love people that God will change.
2) God fills us and empowers us to live in light
Ephesians 5:8-9 – For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
Once we were in darkness, even the light inside of us was dark. All our good stuff was filthy.
But God put his spirit in us. We can now live another way. Live as people of the light. The enemy’s trick is to make the darkness appear like light and the light appear like darkness…don’t buy that!
You are a light in the darkness. Be the light, be yourself. Turn the light on!
3) God fills us and empowers us to live wise
Ephesians 5:15-17 – Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is
God knows more than we do. Live with his wisdom…knowing his will for our lives.
Don’t let your wisdom take you somewhere you’re not meant to go. He is wiser than us.
You might have missed opportunities from the past…God is going to give you those opportunities again.
4) God fills us and empowers us to live full of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 5:18-20 – Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Reject the notion of a pwerless Christianity. It’s not just a set of new values and stuff…it’s a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. It’s no makeover!
God gives us the power and grace to overcome. Whatever he asks us to do he empowers us to be able to do it!
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it
5) God fills us and empowers us to live submitted
Ephesians 5:21 – Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ
Get under the mission of your home, your church, your workplace. Being submitted to one another means we are under their mission.
MISSION
SUB
Everything that is not led goes nowhere! Servant leadership leads in a way that says how can I help you in what you are doing?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Second Nature
Great message in church this morning from Mark Wilkins…talking about our second nature.
Our desire is to live authentic lives…having an impact on those around us.
Ephesians 4:13-16 – until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work
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
As Christians we’re not meant to live our lives in straight jackets, bound by rigid rules. Yet some Christians believe this is the way to live.
The main way is to live our lives authentically in the second nature that has been given to us…as a new creation. Over time we are transformed, we grow into maturity.
How do we live? What does our second nature look like? Our goal is to glorify God and become more like Jesus.
Philippians 2:5 – Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
Our aim is to have the same attitude as Christ…to become Christ like. Yet we know to live up to that standard is so difficult…Jesus is God!
His purpose was to bring God’s Kingdom to earth…and to become more like him is to have that same purpose in our own lives.
Let’s look at a group of people who the Apostle Paul recognised as have grasped this truth with regards to living this authentic second nature.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 – We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 5:8 – But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet
These characteristics of Faith, Hope and Love that they had right, we should have too.
1 Corinthians 13:11-13 – When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love
Faith – seeing life through God’s eyes. Knowing that everyday God is with me. He is stronger, bigger than any of my circumstances.
Hope – not the kind of hope that says ‘I hope I might win the lottery’, but a hope that says Jesus is with me right now. We’re not just hoping for a better future. We can take steps today. When Paul was in prison he was praising God because he had Hope…that God was with him.
Love – love is the greatest! If we have love for God and for people it sustains us…it encapsulates everything else. This love is not just for my partner/family but it is for everyone.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
Be true to yourself…but which self? The second nature person. Let us be authentic to that second nature and not the first nature.
We need to exercise our second nature muscles!
Put on the right person…genuine, not false…not pretending. Consciously where the right clothes. Put this into practice so that it becomes natural over time. We might get things wrong from time to time…but we will get it right too.
Practical steps to live by that second nature and to become more like our creator…
Read God’s word – again not out religious duty but out of relationship. Not beating ourselves up but having that desire to know God more and to make the choice of reading and getting his word inside of us.
Look to people who are great examples – who live their lives that reflect that behaviour, second nature.
Philippians 3:17 – Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you
This also happens in community. We’re called to be together…the church. Worshipping together, praying together…developing those faith muscles.
Choose to serve together…this is very powerful.
Baptism – great step, public declaration…choosing to follow Jesus.
Giving – all part of developing our lives, growing in our second nature. Over time will become easier…to be generous, to honour God. Let us work our generosity muscles!
Our desire is to live authentic lives…having an impact on those around us.
Ephesians 4:13-16 – until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work
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
As Christians we’re not meant to live our lives in straight jackets, bound by rigid rules. Yet some Christians believe this is the way to live.
The main way is to live our lives authentically in the second nature that has been given to us…as a new creation. Over time we are transformed, we grow into maturity.
How do we live? What does our second nature look like? Our goal is to glorify God and become more like Jesus.
Philippians 2:5 – Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
Our aim is to have the same attitude as Christ…to become Christ like. Yet we know to live up to that standard is so difficult…Jesus is God!
His purpose was to bring God’s Kingdom to earth…and to become more like him is to have that same purpose in our own lives.
Let’s look at a group of people who the Apostle Paul recognised as have grasped this truth with regards to living this authentic second nature.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 – We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 5:8 – But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet
These characteristics of Faith, Hope and Love that they had right, we should have too.
1 Corinthians 13:11-13 – When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love
Faith – seeing life through God’s eyes. Knowing that everyday God is with me. He is stronger, bigger than any of my circumstances.
Hope – not the kind of hope that says ‘I hope I might win the lottery’, but a hope that says Jesus is with me right now. We’re not just hoping for a better future. We can take steps today. When Paul was in prison he was praising God because he had Hope…that God was with him.
Love – love is the greatest! If we have love for God and for people it sustains us…it encapsulates everything else. This love is not just for my partner/family but it is for everyone.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
Be true to yourself…but which self? The second nature person. Let us be authentic to that second nature and not the first nature.
We need to exercise our second nature muscles!
Put on the right person…genuine, not false…not pretending. Consciously where the right clothes. Put this into practice so that it becomes natural over time. We might get things wrong from time to time…but we will get it right too.
Practical steps to live by that second nature and to become more like our creator…
Read God’s word – again not out religious duty but out of relationship. Not beating ourselves up but having that desire to know God more and to make the choice of reading and getting his word inside of us.
Look to people who are great examples – who live their lives that reflect that behaviour, second nature.
Philippians 3:17 – Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you
This also happens in community. We’re called to be together…the church. Worshipping together, praying together…developing those faith muscles.
Choose to serve together…this is very powerful.
Baptism – great step, public declaration…choosing to follow Jesus.
Giving – all part of developing our lives, growing in our second nature. Over time will become easier…to be generous, to honour God. Let us work our generosity muscles!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Ephesians 4
Paul Benger continues a great series on the book of Ephesians with a message called GOD BUILDS.
Ephesians 4:1-16
God builds his church. He is a builder. He will occasionally do a quick fix but his normative process is building. The building of the Church is the Primary Work of Jesus Christ. Jesus said "I will build my church" Matthew 16
We are also called to build. We are into building the lives of people, so they can live expansive, growing and flourishing lives.
Some people have a love view of church like it is just a club or religious organisation. The Biblical view is that we are the body of Christ on the earth…this is how God speaks to the world…through the church.
So the top of God’s ‘to do’ list is to build his church. How does he go about this?
1) God Builds Through Unity
Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace
Ephesians 4:13 - until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ
Division, arguments and factions build NOTHING. God builds unity and unity builds the church. Some of the things that contribute to unity, (vs 1-2) – As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love
We are not perfect BUT we can be united! Stay as one and love and care for one another.
Unity thrives in an atmosphere of peace. We are to be at peace with God, at peace with ourselves and at peace with others. God loves unity. He loves unity of heart and unity of vision.
God loves unity that is WILLING. Unity cannot be cajoled or forced
2) God Builds People who build His church
Ephesians 4:7 - But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it
Ephesians 4:11-13 – 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 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The church builds itself. It is not the job of paid clergy to build the Church. The Church builds itself. Jesus gives Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to the Church to build people who build the church. So get inviting, loving, caring, praying.
Ephesians 4:16 - From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work
3) God Builds Maturity
Ephesians 4:13-16 – until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
So that we are no longer tossed about! Maturity is revealed in stability, reliability, bouncebackability, consistency. A mature church gets fit together, each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:1-16
God builds his church. He is a builder. He will occasionally do a quick fix but his normative process is building. The building of the Church is the Primary Work of Jesus Christ. Jesus said "I will build my church" Matthew 16
We are also called to build. We are into building the lives of people, so they can live expansive, growing and flourishing lives.
Some people have a love view of church like it is just a club or religious organisation. The Biblical view is that we are the body of Christ on the earth…this is how God speaks to the world…through the church.
So the top of God’s ‘to do’ list is to build his church. How does he go about this?
1) God Builds Through Unity
Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace
Ephesians 4:13 - until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ
Division, arguments and factions build NOTHING. God builds unity and unity builds the church. Some of the things that contribute to unity, (vs 1-2) – As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love
We are not perfect BUT we can be united! Stay as one and love and care for one another.
Unity thrives in an atmosphere of peace. We are to be at peace with God, at peace with ourselves and at peace with others. God loves unity. He loves unity of heart and unity of vision.
God loves unity that is WILLING. Unity cannot be cajoled or forced
2) God Builds People who build His church
Ephesians 4:7 - But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it
Ephesians 4:11-13 – 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 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The church builds itself. It is not the job of paid clergy to build the Church. The Church builds itself. Jesus gives Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to the Church to build people who build the church. So get inviting, loving, caring, praying.
Ephesians 4:16 - From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work
3) God Builds Maturity
Ephesians 4:13-16 – until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
So that we are no longer tossed about! Maturity is revealed in stability, reliability, bouncebackability, consistency. A mature church gets fit together, each part does its work.
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