Jane Lloyd spoke a great message in church on Sunday entitled 'United We Stand'.
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
I believe that together we can do amazing things. God never meant for us to be alone
Genesis 2:18-24
God created us for relationship: firstly with him, secondly with one another.
Don’t choose to be alone – you won’t flourish and thrive. Get connected!
Ephesians 4:16 - He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
How can we achieve this great picture of the church? Unity is a key principle.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
These verses clearly show us that a strength comes when we stand together.
We see many examples in our world, of situations where teamwork is the key to success. The flip side of that is when disunity creeps in and cracks start to appear.
The entire concept of church is based on teamwork – one of the first things Jesus did when he started his ministry was to gather together a team of disciples around him.
Philippians 2:2 - “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, And working together with one mind and purpose.”
We as the church should be united around a mutual love and passion for God and a passion to see his purposes fulfilled.
Stepping up to the plate means that we need to become active in the church – those who get connected usually stay connected. One of the best ways of doing that is to offer to serve on a team. God has given us all different gifts and abilities and I believe there is a place for everyone to use them to help others and build God’s Kingdom.
How can we become a great team?
1) Encourage one another
We need to be careful not to criticise each other but rather encourage one another. Encouragement is defined by the words we speak.
Proverbs 18:21 - “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences”
No one has ever motivated anyone into action through words of discouragement.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing
Encouraging words make a difference
Paul gave a good guideline when he wrote that everything we say should build up the one who is listening.
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen
Think positively. Look for things to encourage.
2) Support one another
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
As a team we should be there for each other. I find strength in the knowledge that if I go through a tough time there are people who I know will gather around me and help pick me up. God has given us a place where we can find support and love that can lift us. We need each other in times of need.
3) Be positive
God wants us to carry a life-giving spirit
1Corinthians 15:45 - “The scriptures tell us, ‘The first man, Adam, became a living person.’ But the last man Adam-that is Christ-is a life-giving spirit.”
Jesus = life-giving spirit
1 John 4:17 - encourages us to live like Jesus here in this world.
“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgement, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.”
Make sure that life-giving spirit carries over into every area of our lives because as we get more involved in community initiatives our attitude will be under the spotlight.
4) Be organised
Life is busy, and when you’re fully involved in church life it is brimming over!
If we want our teams to be successful, organisation is key.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
It’s important to remember that God is the other piece to this jigsaw. It goes without saying that he makes all the difference to our being together.
We all have talents and God has given us individual gifts to use to bless others and bless the church. We all have a part to play and good things happen in our lives as a result:
- We feel good about ourselves, improves our self-esteem
- We feel connected to the vision of the church
- God blesses our lives all the more
- We fulfil our God-given purpose in life
It’s an awesome thought that through being part of this body of Christ I can make a difference to somebody’s life. We as a church want to make a difference to many people’s lives through the ministries that are going to come out of us.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Dangerous Church V
Yesterday Paul Benger brought the final chapter in our Dangerous Church series. He spoke a great message on ‘Prayer’.
Acts 2:42 – They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
People often come to prayer with the attitude; ‘we need to pray more’. But it’s not the amount of time we pray that’s important but the fact that we pray. The early church took every opportunity that came their way to pray.
I we are not careful we can become legalistic about prayer...it can become dutiful. Our whole life should be a life of prayer (pray without ceasing) – it is our interaction with God a relational thing that helps us to grow and to get to know him more. It should be a natural thing and not a religious thing.
When we interact with our wife or husband and kids we don’t schedule a specific time in our diary to do this!
We do have special times but our main avenue of prayer is our ongoing loving relationship with God.
Prayer is how bring about the will of God on the earth, Matthew 6:10 – Your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
As God’s people we should know what God’s will is any situation...prayer brings that about. God answers our prayers. We pray all kinds of prayers – some get answered, some not as we had wanted, and some are yet to be answered.
The early church...
WHEN THEY PRAYED
At the ‘time’ of prayer – Acts 3:1 'One day Peter and John were going to the temple at the time of prayer, at 3 in the afternoon’.
There are times when we need to pray (as a church), to pray through a specific situation. We ought to give ourselves to those times.
They prayed when they faced persecution – Acts 7:59 ‘As they were stoning him, Stephen prayed’. Acts 12:5 ‘So Peter was kept in prison and the church was earnestly praying for him’.
How do we respond when bad news comes? The early church prayed at difficult times because they knew the importance of those times together. As a church we need to be able to come together in prayer in those moments. To be a resilient people, a people of faith trusting God. Where care for one another and carry one another’s burdens.
When they met new believers – Acts 8:15 ‘As they arrived they prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit’.
Alone – Acts 9:11 ‘Go to…ask for a man named Saul, for he is praying’.
When they encountered great need – Acts 9:40 ‘Turning towards the dead woman, Peter said ‘Tabitha get up’’.
Some times we can be overwhelmed by a great need – we should pray. A Dangerous Church and dangerous Christians PRAY.
HOW THEY PRAYED
Together – Acts 4:24 ‘When they heard this they raised their voices together’
Where two or more people...There is power when we pray together!
By laying their hands on people – Acts 6:6 ‘They presented them to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them’.
By speaking to the problem – Acts 9:40 ‘Turning towards the dead woman Peter said, Tabitha GET UP’
Earnestly – Acts 12:5 ‘Peter was kept in prison and the church was earnestly praying for him’.
They prayed with passion – they were desperate for Peter’s release. We need to have enthusiasm about God and about the church. We can impart enthusiasm to one another – it rubs off!
WHAT THEY PRAYED
For Boldness – Acts 4:29 ‘consider their threats and enable you servants to speak your word with great boldness'.
Not being rude...but there is virtue in being bold.
For Healing – Acts 4:30 ‘Stretch out your hands to heal and perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus’.
For Leaders – Acts 6:6 'pray for labourers for the harvest field'.
For the in filling and empowering of the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:15 ‘they prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit’.
WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THEY PRAYED
People were filled with the Holy Spirit
The church gained the boldness they asked for
People had visions
People got up
Supernatural healings, signs and wonders took place
Acts 2:42 – They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
People often come to prayer with the attitude; ‘we need to pray more’. But it’s not the amount of time we pray that’s important but the fact that we pray. The early church took every opportunity that came their way to pray.
I we are not careful we can become legalistic about prayer...it can become dutiful. Our whole life should be a life of prayer (pray without ceasing) – it is our interaction with God a relational thing that helps us to grow and to get to know him more. It should be a natural thing and not a religious thing.
When we interact with our wife or husband and kids we don’t schedule a specific time in our diary to do this!
We do have special times but our main avenue of prayer is our ongoing loving relationship with God.
Prayer is how bring about the will of God on the earth, Matthew 6:10 – Your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
As God’s people we should know what God’s will is any situation...prayer brings that about. God answers our prayers. We pray all kinds of prayers – some get answered, some not as we had wanted, and some are yet to be answered.
The early church...
WHEN THEY PRAYED
At the ‘time’ of prayer – Acts 3:1 'One day Peter and John were going to the temple at the time of prayer, at 3 in the afternoon’.
There are times when we need to pray (as a church), to pray through a specific situation. We ought to give ourselves to those times.
They prayed when they faced persecution – Acts 7:59 ‘As they were stoning him, Stephen prayed’. Acts 12:5 ‘So Peter was kept in prison and the church was earnestly praying for him’.
How do we respond when bad news comes? The early church prayed at difficult times because they knew the importance of those times together. As a church we need to be able to come together in prayer in those moments. To be a resilient people, a people of faith trusting God. Where care for one another and carry one another’s burdens.
When they met new believers – Acts 8:15 ‘As they arrived they prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit’.
Alone – Acts 9:11 ‘Go to…ask for a man named Saul, for he is praying’.
When they encountered great need – Acts 9:40 ‘Turning towards the dead woman, Peter said ‘Tabitha get up’’.
Some times we can be overwhelmed by a great need – we should pray. A Dangerous Church and dangerous Christians PRAY.
HOW THEY PRAYED
Together – Acts 4:24 ‘When they heard this they raised their voices together’
Where two or more people...There is power when we pray together!
By laying their hands on people – Acts 6:6 ‘They presented them to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them’.
By speaking to the problem – Acts 9:40 ‘Turning towards the dead woman Peter said, Tabitha GET UP’
Earnestly – Acts 12:5 ‘Peter was kept in prison and the church was earnestly praying for him’.
They prayed with passion – they were desperate for Peter’s release. We need to have enthusiasm about God and about the church. We can impart enthusiasm to one another – it rubs off!
WHAT THEY PRAYED
For Boldness – Acts 4:29 ‘consider their threats and enable you servants to speak your word with great boldness'.
Not being rude...but there is virtue in being bold.
For Healing – Acts 4:30 ‘Stretch out your hands to heal and perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus’.
For Leaders – Acts 6:6 'pray for labourers for the harvest field'.
For the in filling and empowering of the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:15 ‘they prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit’.
WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THEY PRAYED
People were filled with the Holy Spirit
The church gained the boldness they asked for
People had visions
People got up
Supernatural healings, signs and wonders took place
Monday, April 21, 2008
Dangerous Church IV
This morning Paul Benger spoke an excellent message on the Breaking of Bread as part of our Dangerous Church series.
Acts 2:42-47 – They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.
The breaking of bread...what’s so special about this meal? The early church broke bread from house to house this was an important part of their meal together.
‘Seal the deal with the meal’ - Jesus had told them to do this in remembrance of me.
Matthew 26:26-28 – While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus was commencing a brand new covenant – the breaking of bread was a covenant meal.
Jesus completed the work he came to do...all we need to do is to receive it as a covenant relationship with God. A covenant is not a contract but a promise from God to you, not a two-way contract but a one-way covenant from God to you.
Hebrews 8:10 – This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
In this covenant relationship between God and us we can know...
The Promise of the Spirit
All the requirements of the covenant are met by God, we just partake in the meal.
He keeps his promise…the promise of the Holy Spirit. We can know the Spirit of God inside of us all of the time…a life by the Spirit and not by the law or the letter. Empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. Everyday dynamic. A relationship where anything could happen! He is not just living with us but in us.
Hebrews 8:12 – For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
God’s Pledge
God has cleansed us and made us whole, forgiven. Transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light!
Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Our Application is by Faith
There are many “I wills” from God the question is “will I?” We need to believe it and let him have his will in our life. Believe all that he’s done for us. We can even believe the evidence before things become evident! Faith as expressed in Hebrews 11:1.
We’re called to live a life of faith. Abraham had to trust God when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. God provided the sacrifice for Abraham. God has shown us the way through his only Son, Jesus Christ.
The breaking of bread...when we eat and drink in this way we are saying that this meal has sealed the deal!
We also are recognising that we have a covenant relationship with each other...we don’t break bread alone but together. One body, united...very powerful. Hebrews 8:10 – I will be their God and they will be my people.
We are here to...
Declare his glory – we have an opportunity where we live to declare his name, to make his name famous.
Establish his will – to pray ‘Your Kingdom come’. His will gets done through as we pray and bring in his will.
To be in fellowship and unity – Acts 2:1-2 “they were ALL together…one accord”
They devoted themselves...
There is more to you than you think! More that you can become and do in God.
John 1:12 – Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
This is true now but it is also on going! God gives us the power but we do the ‘becoming’.
God wants to tell us through this meal that he has paid the price. He has done it all so that we might become all that he has purposed for us. This is the promise on your life!
Acts 2:42-47 – They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.
The breaking of bread...what’s so special about this meal? The early church broke bread from house to house this was an important part of their meal together.
‘Seal the deal with the meal’ - Jesus had told them to do this in remembrance of me.
Matthew 26:26-28 – While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus was commencing a brand new covenant – the breaking of bread was a covenant meal.
Jesus completed the work he came to do...all we need to do is to receive it as a covenant relationship with God. A covenant is not a contract but a promise from God to you, not a two-way contract but a one-way covenant from God to you.
Hebrews 8:10 – This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
In this covenant relationship between God and us we can know...
The Promise of the Spirit
All the requirements of the covenant are met by God, we just partake in the meal.
He keeps his promise…the promise of the Holy Spirit. We can know the Spirit of God inside of us all of the time…a life by the Spirit and not by the law or the letter. Empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. Everyday dynamic. A relationship where anything could happen! He is not just living with us but in us.
Hebrews 8:12 – For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
God’s Pledge
God has cleansed us and made us whole, forgiven. Transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light!
Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Our Application is by Faith
There are many “I wills” from God the question is “will I?” We need to believe it and let him have his will in our life. Believe all that he’s done for us. We can even believe the evidence before things become evident! Faith as expressed in Hebrews 11:1.
We’re called to live a life of faith. Abraham had to trust God when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. God provided the sacrifice for Abraham. God has shown us the way through his only Son, Jesus Christ.
The breaking of bread...when we eat and drink in this way we are saying that this meal has sealed the deal!
We also are recognising that we have a covenant relationship with each other...we don’t break bread alone but together. One body, united...very powerful. Hebrews 8:10 – I will be their God and they will be my people.
We are here to...
Declare his glory – we have an opportunity where we live to declare his name, to make his name famous.
Establish his will – to pray ‘Your Kingdom come’. His will gets done through as we pray and bring in his will.
To be in fellowship and unity – Acts 2:1-2 “they were ALL together…one accord”
They devoted themselves...
There is more to you than you think! More that you can become and do in God.
John 1:12 – Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
This is true now but it is also on going! God gives us the power but we do the ‘becoming’.
God wants to tell us through this meal that he has paid the price. He has done it all so that we might become all that he has purposed for us. This is the promise on your life!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Dangerous Church III
I spoke the third message in our Dangerous Church series on Sunday morning. It was on the subject of ‘fellowship’.
From the beginning the early church never played it safe – they never took it easy. They were dangerous! When it comes to doing church we’ll be tempted to play it safe - not rock the boat or be controversial. That’s not God’s desire for us nor is it how the New Testament Church began.
A Dangerous church requires dangerous Christ followers. Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with Jesus.
How do we become a dangerous Christ follower? - One dangerous aspect of Church life is ‘fellowship’
Failure to thrive syndrome (FTT) – saw Romanian orphans on our TV Screens. Little physical contact with other humans and often died from a lack of human contact.
We need to understand that “failure to thrive syndrome” can happen in our lives spiritually...unable to grow in God. The key to avoiding this I believe is through fellowship.
Psalm 92:13 - planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish
All of us are called to play a role in fulfilling the vision/purpose of the church together. Each of us has a gift and a calling to be an effective part of that vision. It’s important to understand that when we get involved in serving we are not just serving in the house of God…we are serving one another.
I believe the greatest development of the nature of Christ in us, is through serving others. We throw away the self-centered lifestyle and lay down our lives for others. Jesus said that this is the key to discovering life.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Koinonia was used to describe a business partnership, a situation in which two or more people were committed to sharing in some common venture. To experience Koinonia meant participating in something intentionally and energetically. Koinonia meant to be a sharer, a companion, one who is a partaker, a participant in communion.
What can happen when we have true fellowship? Jesus said - “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
The effective Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. A Christian who lives a life away from other Christians will never grow without fellowship.
Fellowship is the basis for the power of God to be resident amongst us
Psalm 133
How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!
It’s like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron’s beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.
Harmony is vital. Anointing falls on unity. The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples in the Upper Room once they were all in one accord in one place.
Matthew 12:25 – “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand”
Fellowship is the basis for achieving the great purposes of God
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up
God has called us together, not apart!
Jesus tells us that the entirety of all that God requires of us hangs on these two commands: Love God, love your neighbour.
How does the New Testament guide us into these healthy relationships?
First, understand that God’s ways are not our ways. What we feel we should do instinctively is very often going to be the exact opposite of what God would do! We think getting angry with a person will change them when it can just make everything worse. We think reminding people of their wrongs will make them better it can make them hate you. We want revenge - God says, ‘forgive’.
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.’
The spirit we are to have towards each other is serving.
Galatians 5:13-14 - You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbour as yourself.
Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 - Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
When we function like a team, like an army, we will achieve the greatest results.
Leviticus 26:8 - Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you.
From the beginning the early church never played it safe – they never took it easy. They were dangerous! When it comes to doing church we’ll be tempted to play it safe - not rock the boat or be controversial. That’s not God’s desire for us nor is it how the New Testament Church began.
A Dangerous church requires dangerous Christ followers. Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with Jesus.
How do we become a dangerous Christ follower? - One dangerous aspect of Church life is ‘fellowship’
Failure to thrive syndrome (FTT) – saw Romanian orphans on our TV Screens. Little physical contact with other humans and often died from a lack of human contact.
We need to understand that “failure to thrive syndrome” can happen in our lives spiritually...unable to grow in God. The key to avoiding this I believe is through fellowship.
Psalm 92:13 - planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish
All of us are called to play a role in fulfilling the vision/purpose of the church together. Each of us has a gift and a calling to be an effective part of that vision. It’s important to understand that when we get involved in serving we are not just serving in the house of God…we are serving one another.
I believe the greatest development of the nature of Christ in us, is through serving others. We throw away the self-centered lifestyle and lay down our lives for others. Jesus said that this is the key to discovering life.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Koinonia was used to describe a business partnership, a situation in which two or more people were committed to sharing in some common venture. To experience Koinonia meant participating in something intentionally and energetically. Koinonia meant to be a sharer, a companion, one who is a partaker, a participant in communion.
What can happen when we have true fellowship? Jesus said - “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
The effective Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. A Christian who lives a life away from other Christians will never grow without fellowship.
Fellowship is the basis for the power of God to be resident amongst us
Psalm 133
How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!
It’s like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron’s beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.
Harmony is vital. Anointing falls on unity. The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples in the Upper Room once they were all in one accord in one place.
Matthew 12:25 – “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand”
Fellowship is the basis for achieving the great purposes of God
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up
God has called us together, not apart!
Jesus tells us that the entirety of all that God requires of us hangs on these two commands: Love God, love your neighbour.
How does the New Testament guide us into these healthy relationships?
First, understand that God’s ways are not our ways. What we feel we should do instinctively is very often going to be the exact opposite of what God would do! We think getting angry with a person will change them when it can just make everything worse. We think reminding people of their wrongs will make them better it can make them hate you. We want revenge - God says, ‘forgive’.
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.’
The spirit we are to have towards each other is serving.
Galatians 5:13-14 - You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbour as yourself.
Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 - Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
When we function like a team, like an army, we will achieve the greatest results.
Leviticus 26:8 - Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Dangerous Church II
Mark Wilkins continued our current series in church yesterday morning entitled ‘Dangerous Church’. He spoke an excellent message on the Apostles’ Teaching.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
What did the Apostles teach that made the church dangerous? Look back earlier in Acts 2:14-21.
1) That God has made Jesus Lord and Saviour of all. That in Jesus all the past prophesies are fulfilled. He alone saves.
2) That they were witnesses of Jesus of who he was and what he did. Acts 1:8; 1:22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39; 10:41. We can also realise who Jesus is and what he has done for us. We can have a living relationship with him.
3) That Jesus is to be exalted as Lord and Christ.
4) That the work of the Holy Spirit continued after Jesus had gone into Heaven. The Holy Spirit empowered and emboldened them, to be able to stand up and proclaim the good news.
5) That they needed to find repentance and the forgiveness of sin, that they could be free and receive God’s grace....this was their constant message.
6) That Jesus still heals today! A message of restoration, that people could find wholeness.
7) That there were needs to be met and the needy should be cared for (i.e. Community Action) The Apostles put food programs in place for the widows. There was practical action taking place all of the time.
8) The message of GRACE encapsulated everything they said and did.
Why were their teachings dangerous?
It challenged the dominant worldview (Caesar is Lord...the view of their day)
It challenged the local authorities (High Priest appointed to keep the peace)
It challenged the established religious authorities
It challenged business and economy (slavery, silver-smiths making idols)
What does all of this mean for us today?
God’s kingdom challenges the worldview of today. There are still places in our world where people are not free. Poverty, disease and crime challenged the church back then and still does today.
We still fight an enemy today who wants to enslave people. “The local church is the hope of the world”.
All across the world the church is seeing the release of captives...individual hearts and lives becoming free as the church proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ. Not just proclaiming good news but by being good news as well.
The message continues to be dangerous, tackling the issues of the day.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
What did the Apostles teach that made the church dangerous? Look back earlier in Acts 2:14-21.
1) That God has made Jesus Lord and Saviour of all. That in Jesus all the past prophesies are fulfilled. He alone saves.
2) That they were witnesses of Jesus of who he was and what he did. Acts 1:8; 1:22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39; 10:41. We can also realise who Jesus is and what he has done for us. We can have a living relationship with him.
3) That Jesus is to be exalted as Lord and Christ.
4) That the work of the Holy Spirit continued after Jesus had gone into Heaven. The Holy Spirit empowered and emboldened them, to be able to stand up and proclaim the good news.
5) That they needed to find repentance and the forgiveness of sin, that they could be free and receive God’s grace....this was their constant message.
6) That Jesus still heals today! A message of restoration, that people could find wholeness.
7) That there were needs to be met and the needy should be cared for (i.e. Community Action) The Apostles put food programs in place for the widows. There was practical action taking place all of the time.
8) The message of GRACE encapsulated everything they said and did.
Why were their teachings dangerous?
It challenged the dominant worldview (Caesar is Lord...the view of their day)
It challenged the local authorities (High Priest appointed to keep the peace)
It challenged the established religious authorities
It challenged business and economy (slavery, silver-smiths making idols)
What does all of this mean for us today?
God’s kingdom challenges the worldview of today. There are still places in our world where people are not free. Poverty, disease and crime challenged the church back then and still does today.
We still fight an enemy today who wants to enslave people. “The local church is the hope of the world”.
All across the world the church is seeing the release of captives...individual hearts and lives becoming free as the church proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ. Not just proclaiming good news but by being good news as well.
The message continues to be dangerous, tackling the issues of the day.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Dangerous Church I
We began our new series in church this morning entitled ‘Dangerous Church’. Paul Benger brought a great message about us having a culture of devotion in the church.
Acts 2:42-47 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
God loves the church. ‘The local church is the hope of the world’ - Bill Hybels
The church should be dangerous to...poverty, sickness and disease, lost people. God is doing something phenomenal on the earth. He wants us to recapture a little of that danger.
Don’t be distracted from the vision of the church that God has given you.
A Culture of Devotion
A dangerous church continues the ministry of Jesus. Jesus ministers though us to the world. The church should be a place that equips us to reach the world.
Matthew 4:23 - Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people
Luke 4:18 - The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed
A dangerous church cares about the same things that God cares about.
Rick Warren says there are 5 giants that affect the world...
Spiritual emptiness, self-centred leadership, extreme poverty, disease and sickness, lack of education
The answers...Plant churches, train leaders, assist the poor, bring healing, bring education to the uneducated.
We have to fall in love with Jesus and his cause to be a dangerous church.
6 things present in a ‘Culture of Devotion’
The Church says ‘Yes’ (they devoted themselves)
God is waiting for the day when the church gets the revelation of the vision.
The Church is amazed (everyone was filled with awe)
They believed that God as going to do something through them and were amazed he was going to include them. What are we complaining about today that we ought to be thankful about?
The Church builds on proven truth (devoted to the Apostle’s teaching)
We need to shine the light on some old truths. This message of redemption works.
The Church believes in corporate success (they gave to everyone as they had need, devoted to fellowship)
Fellowship is partnership. ‘Those planted in the house of God will flourish’.
The Church lives out of the new covenant (they broke bread from house to house)
This is not about what can we do for God, but what God has done for us.
The Church has a lifestyle of prayer (devoted themselves to prayer)
Life should not be compartmentalised – devoted Christianity is a lifestyle, God is included all of the time.
Maturity means we will live a life of devotion and therefore we will become a dangerous church.
Acts 2:42-47 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
God loves the church. ‘The local church is the hope of the world’ - Bill Hybels
The church should be dangerous to...poverty, sickness and disease, lost people. God is doing something phenomenal on the earth. He wants us to recapture a little of that danger.
Don’t be distracted from the vision of the church that God has given you.
A Culture of Devotion
A dangerous church continues the ministry of Jesus. Jesus ministers though us to the world. The church should be a place that equips us to reach the world.
Matthew 4:23 - Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people
Luke 4:18 - The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed
A dangerous church cares about the same things that God cares about.
Rick Warren says there are 5 giants that affect the world...
Spiritual emptiness, self-centred leadership, extreme poverty, disease and sickness, lack of education
The answers...Plant churches, train leaders, assist the poor, bring healing, bring education to the uneducated.
We have to fall in love with Jesus and his cause to be a dangerous church.
6 things present in a ‘Culture of Devotion’
The Church says ‘Yes’ (they devoted themselves)
God is waiting for the day when the church gets the revelation of the vision.
The Church is amazed (everyone was filled with awe)
They believed that God as going to do something through them and were amazed he was going to include them. What are we complaining about today that we ought to be thankful about?
The Church builds on proven truth (devoted to the Apostle’s teaching)
We need to shine the light on some old truths. This message of redemption works.
The Church believes in corporate success (they gave to everyone as they had need, devoted to fellowship)
Fellowship is partnership. ‘Those planted in the house of God will flourish’.
The Church lives out of the new covenant (they broke bread from house to house)
This is not about what can we do for God, but what God has done for us.
The Church has a lifestyle of prayer (devoted themselves to prayer)
Life should not be compartmentalised – devoted Christianity is a lifestyle, God is included all of the time.
Maturity means we will live a life of devotion and therefore we will become a dangerous church.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Famous Last Words
Great Easter service today in church. Paul Benger spoke a message entitled ‘Famous Last Words’.
There have been many famous last words throughout history. Here are some of Jesus’ final words on the cross before his death.
- Father forgive them
- Today you will be with me in paradise
- Woman behold your son
- My God my God why have you forsaken me
- I thirst
- Father into your hands I commit my spirit
- It is finished
John 19:16-30
In the Greek, Christ's cry from the cross, "It is finished!" had a number of meanings in that day.
A servant would say it meaning ‘I have overcome all the difficulties. I have done the job to the best of my ability. It is finished’.
In the Offering, the High Priest would say it meaning, ‘Your offering is accepted. It is perfect’.
A Merchant would say it meaning ‘the deal is finished, the price has been paid in full. I am satisfied’.
It is finished – nothing left unfinished!
What is God saying to us today? It is finished meaning...
Finished with the Past – whatever is in our past God is saying we can come to him and find freedom and forgiveness.
Finished with the Season – a season of difficulty and trouble is coming to an end. This is a new day, a new season of life in Christ.
Finished with the Obstacles – the issues and problems that have got in our way will be removed as we put our trust in him and all he has done and accomplished for us at the cross.
We know that Christ’s final words at the cross were only his final words before he died. He rose again on the third day and lives today! Here are some important words he spoke before he ascended to heaven...
Acts 1:3-8
We can now resurrection power today! In our lives, Christ at work in us...from deliverance to inheritance. We will know and experience the Kingdom of God advancing. We will see God’s house being filled – more people knowing Jesus!
There have been many famous last words throughout history. Here are some of Jesus’ final words on the cross before his death.
- Father forgive them
- Today you will be with me in paradise
- Woman behold your son
- My God my God why have you forsaken me
- I thirst
- Father into your hands I commit my spirit
- It is finished
John 19:16-30
In the Greek, Christ's cry from the cross, "It is finished!" had a number of meanings in that day.
A servant would say it meaning ‘I have overcome all the difficulties. I have done the job to the best of my ability. It is finished’.
In the Offering, the High Priest would say it meaning, ‘Your offering is accepted. It is perfect’.
A Merchant would say it meaning ‘the deal is finished, the price has been paid in full. I am satisfied’.
It is finished – nothing left unfinished!
What is God saying to us today? It is finished meaning...
Finished with the Past – whatever is in our past God is saying we can come to him and find freedom and forgiveness.
Finished with the Season – a season of difficulty and trouble is coming to an end. This is a new day, a new season of life in Christ.
Finished with the Obstacles – the issues and problems that have got in our way will be removed as we put our trust in him and all he has done and accomplished for us at the cross.
We know that Christ’s final words at the cross were only his final words before he died. He rose again on the third day and lives today! Here are some important words he spoke before he ascended to heaven...
Acts 1:3-8
We can now resurrection power today! In our lives, Christ at work in us...from deliverance to inheritance. We will know and experience the Kingdom of God advancing. We will see God’s house being filled – more people knowing Jesus!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Missions Sunday
Great time in church today. It was our Missions Sunday where we shared about our mission giving in the past year and also presented the church with our commitment to missions giving over the next 12 months.
It was great to have a number of important visitors with us...Betel of Britain...City Hearts House (Sheffield).
We also continue to support the Ground Level Network Overseas Missions, Links International and Compassion.
We also had our friend Pastor John Andrews from Rotherham New Life who spoke an inspiring message from 2 Kings 7:3-11, on the fact that ‘with great privilege comes great responsibility’.
As Christ transforms our lives we move from living for ourselves to living with responsibility and living for others. What can I do with what God has given me?
Jesus said ‘freely you have received, freely give’
Don’t look at what you haven’t got...look at what you have got! Mission is sharing the good news in whatever way is at your means.
We’re called to be local but also global citizens, effecting the whole world. You’re here to impact the whole world...not just Chesterfield.
Jesus said “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, AND in all Judea AND Samaria, AND to the ends of the earth”.
You’re making a difference with every gift, every contribution every bit that you can do.
It was great to have a number of important visitors with us...Betel of Britain...City Hearts House (Sheffield).
We also continue to support the Ground Level Network Overseas Missions, Links International and Compassion.
We also had our friend Pastor John Andrews from Rotherham New Life who spoke an inspiring message from 2 Kings 7:3-11, on the fact that ‘with great privilege comes great responsibility’.
As Christ transforms our lives we move from living for ourselves to living with responsibility and living for others. What can I do with what God has given me?
Jesus said ‘freely you have received, freely give’
Don’t look at what you haven’t got...look at what you have got! Mission is sharing the good news in whatever way is at your means.
We’re called to be local but also global citizens, effecting the whole world. You’re here to impact the whole world...not just Chesterfield.
Jesus said “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, AND in all Judea AND Samaria, AND to the ends of the earth”.
You’re making a difference with every gift, every contribution every bit that you can do.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Miracles III
Jeannie Benger finished our Miracles series this morning. The message was called ‘A Miracle on the High Seas’.
Mark 4:35-38
We all have times when we feel like we’re in a storm. Three reasons why we face storms...
1) They were in the storm by His appointment
Mark 4:35 – That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side”
Some storms can come because of poor decisions, bad choices.
Some storms come from the enemy. Vet often when we have made a stand, the enemy attacks.
Some storms come from a broken hurting world. We can get entangled with a hurting world.
2) They were in the storm with His presence
Mark 4:36-37 – Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
He used the storm so that they could trust him. Hebrews 13:5 – Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
3) They were in the storm for His purposes
Mark 4:38 – Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
In the storm we want God to do a ‘removing’ job - when He wants to do an ‘improving’ job.
As we step out God responds to our faith. Although we have his presence during storms we can sometimes doubt his care. But God is at work in our lives often in the background turning our lives around.
Jesus calms storms by His words
Mark 4:39-40 - He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
Let us speak his word over the storms in our lives. Stand on his word in those difficult life situations.
Do we have his word in our lives? The Bible
Do we have confidence in his word? Let us read, meditate and believe in his word to us.
Do we have a prophetic or ‘now’ word for our present situation?
Do we have confidence in his care? ‘I will never leave you or forsake you’
Mark 4:35-38
We all have times when we feel like we’re in a storm. Three reasons why we face storms...
1) They were in the storm by His appointment
Mark 4:35 – That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side”
Some storms can come because of poor decisions, bad choices.
Some storms come from the enemy. Vet often when we have made a stand, the enemy attacks.
Some storms come from a broken hurting world. We can get entangled with a hurting world.
2) They were in the storm with His presence
Mark 4:36-37 – Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
He used the storm so that they could trust him. Hebrews 13:5 – Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
3) They were in the storm for His purposes
Mark 4:38 – Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
In the storm we want God to do a ‘removing’ job - when He wants to do an ‘improving’ job.
As we step out God responds to our faith. Although we have his presence during storms we can sometimes doubt his care. But God is at work in our lives often in the background turning our lives around.
Jesus calms storms by His words
Mark 4:39-40 - He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
Let us speak his word over the storms in our lives. Stand on his word in those difficult life situations.
Do we have his word in our lives? The Bible
Do we have confidence in his word? Let us read, meditate and believe in his word to us.
Do we have a prophetic or ‘now’ word for our present situation?
Do we have confidence in his care? ‘I will never leave you or forsake you’
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Miracles II
Paul Benger continued our current series Miracles. This morning was called ‘A Miracle and a Muddy Eyewash’.
John 9:1-7
Sight is an incredible thing, and not just physical sight, but being able to see the right perspective of our lives and the world in which we live. To have good eyesight is a good thing...it changes your actions and attitudes when you get a new perspective and new vision. To see what God has for you.
Three things concerning improving our sight...
1) God wants us to see through our ‘obstacle’ illusions
When we face obstacles sometimes that creates a false or misleading impression of reality. (“One week God loves me, the next week he doesn’t!”) - This is an obstacle illusion.
Fear is a good example of this...False Evidence Appearing Real
We need the miracle of sight today. God wants us to see what he sees. The obstacles we face are not the end of the story because God will have the last word. His word is the key to our miracle - what he has said.
In our story today, the disciples were looking for a reason for the man’s blindness.
“Who sinned?” they asked Jesus. They were playing the blame game!
Jesus wasn’t looking for a reason he was looking for the solution. There may have been a reason for his blindness but Jesus wanted to bring the solution. Jesus said, “...this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life”
2) God wants us to see our response to his obedience
Another key to miracles is the response of the people to God’s word.
When Jesus answered the disciples questioning of the man’s blindness silence fell and then Jesus spat on the ground, made some mud and put it on the man’s eyes.
Jesus then said ‘go’ and wash your eyes. He obeys Jesus’ command and is healed.
Miracles happen when we GO! When we move out on a word from God.
When Jesus says go it doesn’t always make sense. What has God asked you that doesn’t make sense? To give, to forgive etc. Miracles happen when I go!
3) God wants us to see passed our blind spots
John 9:13-16
Jesus is being mischievous again! Doing this miracle on the Sabbath on purpose, creating controversy with the Pharisees. He fulfilled the law of God and yet was a law breaker...the laws set by men.
The Pharisees later questioned the man about Jesus and his miracle. John 9:24 - A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. Give glory to God, they said. We know this man is a sinner.
His answer was spot on! John 9:25 - He replied, Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!
They threw him out, but Jesus went and found him! With Jesus it is always about relationship and not religion.
John 9:35-37 - Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, Do you believe in the Son of Man? Who is he, sir? the man asked. Tell me so that I may believe in him. Jesus said, You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you. Then the man said, Lord, I believe, and he worshipped him.
Jesus had healed him of his blindness, what was his response...he worshipped him.
When our focus is on Jesus, when we honour him, our blind spots disappear...things become clearer. We can know a deeper relationship with God.
John 9:1-7
Sight is an incredible thing, and not just physical sight, but being able to see the right perspective of our lives and the world in which we live. To have good eyesight is a good thing...it changes your actions and attitudes when you get a new perspective and new vision. To see what God has for you.
Three things concerning improving our sight...
1) God wants us to see through our ‘obstacle’ illusions
When we face obstacles sometimes that creates a false or misleading impression of reality. (“One week God loves me, the next week he doesn’t!”) - This is an obstacle illusion.
Fear is a good example of this...False Evidence Appearing Real
We need the miracle of sight today. God wants us to see what he sees. The obstacles we face are not the end of the story because God will have the last word. His word is the key to our miracle - what he has said.
In our story today, the disciples were looking for a reason for the man’s blindness.
“Who sinned?” they asked Jesus. They were playing the blame game!
Jesus wasn’t looking for a reason he was looking for the solution. There may have been a reason for his blindness but Jesus wanted to bring the solution. Jesus said, “...this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life”
2) God wants us to see our response to his obedience
Another key to miracles is the response of the people to God’s word.
When Jesus answered the disciples questioning of the man’s blindness silence fell and then Jesus spat on the ground, made some mud and put it on the man’s eyes.
Jesus then said ‘go’ and wash your eyes. He obeys Jesus’ command and is healed.
Miracles happen when we GO! When we move out on a word from God.
When Jesus says go it doesn’t always make sense. What has God asked you that doesn’t make sense? To give, to forgive etc. Miracles happen when I go!
3) God wants us to see passed our blind spots
John 9:13-16
Jesus is being mischievous again! Doing this miracle on the Sabbath on purpose, creating controversy with the Pharisees. He fulfilled the law of God and yet was a law breaker...the laws set by men.
The Pharisees later questioned the man about Jesus and his miracle. John 9:24 - A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. Give glory to God, they said. We know this man is a sinner.
His answer was spot on! John 9:25 - He replied, Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!
They threw him out, but Jesus went and found him! With Jesus it is always about relationship and not religion.
John 9:35-37 - Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, Do you believe in the Son of Man? Who is he, sir? the man asked. Tell me so that I may believe in him. Jesus said, You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you. Then the man said, Lord, I believe, and he worshipped him.
Jesus had healed him of his blindness, what was his response...he worshipped him.
When our focus is on Jesus, when we honour him, our blind spots disappear...things become clearer. We can know a deeper relationship with God.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Miracles I
Paul Benger began our new series today called Miracles. This morning was called ‘A Poolside Miracle’, talking about positional miracles.
John 5:1-9
"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me”
But it was the will of God that he would be made well. He had always been at the right place for a miracle but he had the wrong focus.
He had been at the pool for 38 years. The pool was at Bethesda which means ‘place of mercy’, or ‘flowing water’.
We can find ourselves in the right place today for a miracle, in the House of God, our time of worship, our connect group...places of refreshing and renewal.
The man is looking for angels, he is looking for the mystical – Jesus is stood right in front of him. We can find ourselves looking for the magical thing to happen like the stirring of the water, looking for the perfect conditions!
Everything we need starts in Jesus, but not just Jesus we need one another...we need community.
The tragedy is we can go through our lives with the wrong focus.
Jesus asked the man a great question, “Do you want to get well?” Why would he ask such a question when the answer would seem obvious?
- He had got used to his circumstances - his condition. We are creatures of habit, we get used to stuff.
- He had friends – when you are in need you find that there are a lot of people like that. We become part of a group, society – we can get comfortable.
- He enjoyed his status – you can get a status amongst the poor and needy. He’d been in the same place for 38 years!
- He had an income – from begging. When the benefits stop what’s going to happen?
- He had a suntan to die for – by the poolside for so long! Mr Ambre Solaire!
Jesus will only work with our will not against it.
Excuses he made...
No one to help me get into the pool
Others get there before me
He was not just bed-ridden he was also excuse-ridden! Jesus takes away our excuses. Heaven is on your side...all things are possible to him who believes!
Jesus was after his heart, he was not being judgmental.
What he needed was a word from God and to respond to it...
Then Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your mat and walk. At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
God’s word to him and for us today...
1) Get up – arise. This required fresh vision. Don’t have the ‘one day’ syndrome. Make some movement towards your miracle. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water” – Jesus said, “come on then!”
2) Take up your mat. This required a new attitude. He gathered up the stuff that identified him. He gathered up 38 years of disappointment, of low self-esteem.
Gather up religion and move into a relationship with Jesus.
3) Walk. This required a different action. Did his ‘moving’ heal him? Become future minded. What state does my miracle put me in? Adopt some states, postures that our future puts us in.
What is God saying to you? The miracle is hearing God’s word and responding to it.
John 5:1-9
"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me”
But it was the will of God that he would be made well. He had always been at the right place for a miracle but he had the wrong focus.
He had been at the pool for 38 years. The pool was at Bethesda which means ‘place of mercy’, or ‘flowing water’.
We can find ourselves in the right place today for a miracle, in the House of God, our time of worship, our connect group...places of refreshing and renewal.
The man is looking for angels, he is looking for the mystical – Jesus is stood right in front of him. We can find ourselves looking for the magical thing to happen like the stirring of the water, looking for the perfect conditions!
Everything we need starts in Jesus, but not just Jesus we need one another...we need community.
The tragedy is we can go through our lives with the wrong focus.
Jesus asked the man a great question, “Do you want to get well?” Why would he ask such a question when the answer would seem obvious?
- He had got used to his circumstances - his condition. We are creatures of habit, we get used to stuff.
- He had friends – when you are in need you find that there are a lot of people like that. We become part of a group, society – we can get comfortable.
- He enjoyed his status – you can get a status amongst the poor and needy. He’d been in the same place for 38 years!
- He had an income – from begging. When the benefits stop what’s going to happen?
- He had a suntan to die for – by the poolside for so long! Mr Ambre Solaire!
Jesus will only work with our will not against it.
Excuses he made...
No one to help me get into the pool
Others get there before me
He was not just bed-ridden he was also excuse-ridden! Jesus takes away our excuses. Heaven is on your side...all things are possible to him who believes!
Jesus was after his heart, he was not being judgmental.
What he needed was a word from God and to respond to it...
Then Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your mat and walk. At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
God’s word to him and for us today...
1) Get up – arise. This required fresh vision. Don’t have the ‘one day’ syndrome. Make some movement towards your miracle. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water” – Jesus said, “come on then!”
2) Take up your mat. This required a new attitude. He gathered up the stuff that identified him. He gathered up 38 years of disappointment, of low self-esteem.
Gather up religion and move into a relationship with Jesus.
3) Walk. This required a different action. Did his ‘moving’ heal him? Become future minded. What state does my miracle put me in? Adopt some states, postures that our future puts us in.
What is God saying to you? The miracle is hearing God’s word and responding to it.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
For this Cause...
I spoke in church this morning on the subject of the Cause of Christ.
John 18:37 – Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.”
We fall in love with the person of Christ…do we fall in love with His Cause?
There is a Cause we are called to. God’s grace and favour poured into our lives – grace is to be passed on!
John 15:12-13 - My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Greatest Love – it is what focused Jesus on his purpose/His cause. Love for the world. Live for Him – love for the world.
Some people have such a commanding personality it radiates from them. Just being in their presence makes you feel caught up in their cause. Jesus must have been a person like this.
Matthew 4:19-20 - Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed him"
People are always drawn to those with a sense of purpose and direction. Jesus knew He was born for a Cause, and everything He did fulfilled that purpose.
For THIS CAUSE, Jesus said I come into this world. What was this cause?
1) For this Cause...is more than Vision
• A vision is personal, but a cause is bigger than any one person is
• People generally won’t die for a vision, but they die for a cause everyday around the world.
• Vision is something a person can possess, but a cause possesses the person.
• Vision leaves you with options. But a cause leaves you with no options
• You can ignore a vision but you can’t ignore a cause.
• Vision lasts for a lifetime, but a cause’s last forever.
• You can change a vision - but the cause never changes.
• A vision will generate excitement, but a cause generates power
You and I also were born for a cause, and our connection to the world is that same cause, and it’s the cause of the King and of His Kingdom.
It’s great when people understand and catch the vision of our church but I know it is far more powerful when people get switched on to the Cause of Christ!
2) For this Cause...the Message has never changed!
In fact Jesus has never changed. Hebrews 13:8 - “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
The message is still the message of transformation, forgiveness and salvation! It is a story about the grace and mercy of God being poured out upon a people so undeserving!
Though this message has never changed – the packaging this message comes in has got to change for each successive generation, for every culture.
The Church has been guilty of living in the past, traditions that have become irrelevant. They have lived with the Jesus of yesterday forgetting that the Jesus of today is out constantly seeking and saving that which was lost.
Change (for some) is a dangerous idea to live with. The moment you mention change people get frightened. Most of us like it the way it was and love our memories of past days! Vision changes…the Cause never changes!
3) For this Cause...Remain Externally Focused (Missional)
Luke 19: 1-10
Luke 19:9-10 “Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house” For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
I love the way Jesus dealt with people. The outcast, downtrodden, the sinner...I love the priority he gave them?
Notice three main people – Zacchaeus, Jesus and the crowd
The hunger in the heart of Zacchaeus - So much so he climbed a tree to see Jesus
There is a spiritual hunger in the hearts of every person we see on the streets – it is the eternity in our hearts that draws people to Christ – we are part of that process!
Notice with Jesus there was no condemnation – not one word of judgement. Jesus was missional.
Crowd - Notice the “what-about-me” spirit of the people around – they muttered or murmured – It was consistent sound made across the crowd. Jesus had shocked them, by inviting himself to be the guest of this tax collector and notorious sinner who had robbed nearly everybody in the city by exorbitant taxes. This is the heart of the religious mind – they wanted Jesus’ attention.
Matthew 9:11-12 says, “When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
Jesus is building a Church with a heart for the lost.
Ephesians 1:23 (Message) says it all; “The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.”
The church is about living in today, acting inside today and more than that it’s about tomorrow – being prophetic, building a future, and creating a future for our church and town, our communities.
Acts 20: 24 - “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”
Our mission in life is reach people and to introduce them to Christ and get them connected with His church – people connect people.
For this Cause...
Jesus puts it like this in Matthew 5:14-16 - "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
John 18:37 – Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.”
We fall in love with the person of Christ…do we fall in love with His Cause?
There is a Cause we are called to. God’s grace and favour poured into our lives – grace is to be passed on!
John 15:12-13 - My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Greatest Love – it is what focused Jesus on his purpose/His cause. Love for the world. Live for Him – love for the world.
Some people have such a commanding personality it radiates from them. Just being in their presence makes you feel caught up in their cause. Jesus must have been a person like this.
Matthew 4:19-20 - Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed him"
People are always drawn to those with a sense of purpose and direction. Jesus knew He was born for a Cause, and everything He did fulfilled that purpose.
For THIS CAUSE, Jesus said I come into this world. What was this cause?
1) For this Cause...is more than Vision
• A vision is personal, but a cause is bigger than any one person is
• People generally won’t die for a vision, but they die for a cause everyday around the world.
• Vision is something a person can possess, but a cause possesses the person.
• Vision leaves you with options. But a cause leaves you with no options
• You can ignore a vision but you can’t ignore a cause.
• Vision lasts for a lifetime, but a cause’s last forever.
• You can change a vision - but the cause never changes.
• A vision will generate excitement, but a cause generates power
You and I also were born for a cause, and our connection to the world is that same cause, and it’s the cause of the King and of His Kingdom.
It’s great when people understand and catch the vision of our church but I know it is far more powerful when people get switched on to the Cause of Christ!
2) For this Cause...the Message has never changed!
In fact Jesus has never changed. Hebrews 13:8 - “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
The message is still the message of transformation, forgiveness and salvation! It is a story about the grace and mercy of God being poured out upon a people so undeserving!
Though this message has never changed – the packaging this message comes in has got to change for each successive generation, for every culture.
The Church has been guilty of living in the past, traditions that have become irrelevant. They have lived with the Jesus of yesterday forgetting that the Jesus of today is out constantly seeking and saving that which was lost.
Change (for some) is a dangerous idea to live with. The moment you mention change people get frightened. Most of us like it the way it was and love our memories of past days! Vision changes…the Cause never changes!
3) For this Cause...Remain Externally Focused (Missional)
Luke 19: 1-10
Luke 19:9-10 “Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house” For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
I love the way Jesus dealt with people. The outcast, downtrodden, the sinner...I love the priority he gave them?
Notice three main people – Zacchaeus, Jesus and the crowd
The hunger in the heart of Zacchaeus - So much so he climbed a tree to see Jesus
There is a spiritual hunger in the hearts of every person we see on the streets – it is the eternity in our hearts that draws people to Christ – we are part of that process!
Notice with Jesus there was no condemnation – not one word of judgement. Jesus was missional.
Crowd - Notice the “what-about-me” spirit of the people around – they muttered or murmured – It was consistent sound made across the crowd. Jesus had shocked them, by inviting himself to be the guest of this tax collector and notorious sinner who had robbed nearly everybody in the city by exorbitant taxes. This is the heart of the religious mind – they wanted Jesus’ attention.
Matthew 9:11-12 says, “When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
Jesus is building a Church with a heart for the lost.
Ephesians 1:23 (Message) says it all; “The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.”
The church is about living in today, acting inside today and more than that it’s about tomorrow – being prophetic, building a future, and creating a future for our church and town, our communities.
Acts 20: 24 - “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”
Our mission in life is reach people and to introduce them to Christ and get them connected with His church – people connect people.
For this Cause...
Jesus puts it like this in Matthew 5:14-16 - "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Grace and Favour IV
Mark Wilkins completed our Grace and Favour series this morning. A great finale to an excellent series.
Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Condemnation – critiscm that can stay with us forever. Condemned Buildings – that are not safe, useless, dangerous. Food – gone bad, poisonous.
We’re no longer in that place of condemnation because of God’s grace. However some people still live in that place, they can wear it as a badge. But GRACE is the interrupter of our lives, changes how we feel about ourselves.
Grace interrupts and changes the rules. You can change your situation – you are good enough.
Here are several things that should be interrupted by grace...
1) Burden Carrying
When issues have already been dealt with, healed, complete, finished, because of what Christ has done – don’t pick those things up again.
Put down the burdens and let grace interrupt!
2) Shame
Ashamed of who we are, of what we’ve done. But God has set you free. He’s not ashamed of you, he’s exactly the opposite.
Shame can be taken from us as we allow his grace to interrupt our lives.
Woman caught in adultery – Jesus interrupts her life with grace. He removed the shame. She was forgiven.
3) Having a ‘work-like’ theology
When we’re constantly working to please God. Striving to make him love us more. We’ve forgotten what grace is all about.
Grace is not a loophole in your relationship with God. It’s the only way! Yes work for God, but from the position of Grace. Relational.
Grace is not just a one-off but a constant daily thing.
Some symptoms of us allowing these three areas to govern our lives...
We fail to show grace to others – we find ourselves condemning other people.
They sap our ability, our energy and life. We become harder, less giving, less fun. Cold and religious. We feel like we’ve lost control, no longer in charge of our lives.
There is another way to live, where we’ve stopped thinking we’re no longer fit for purpose.
We are loved. Inhabited by the Holy Spirit. God lives in us.
Romans 8:2 - because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death
The opposite of being condemned and feeling condemned – we now have a life-giving spirit. Not striving in our own strength. Able to boast about what God has done for us. We give life to others as a result of this. We remain teachable – we learn and grow.
Romans 8:6 - The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
Let the Holy Spirit control our lives – not allowing sin to reign. Let him be our compass. So when we stray from the map He guides us back onto the right track.
How do we ensure we live an uncondemned life? Knowing grace on a daily basis.
Be constantly thinking of grace. Grace is at the forefront of the Apostle Paul’s thoughts. “Grace and Peace to You…” - Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3, Philippians 1:2
Grace was his starting point, his default position. Grace was the reason for everything he did. Made it his mission to share the good news of God’s grace.
Let all of our words and actions be shaped by grace.
This is our life assignment, to live in his grace and to share this with others – the reason for being.
What would a review of our grace life reveal? Our grace map?
Let his grace be visible in our lives and in every area. Let it be the forefront of our lives, our mission in life. As we live lives full of grace we will bear good fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law
Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Condemnation – critiscm that can stay with us forever. Condemned Buildings – that are not safe, useless, dangerous. Food – gone bad, poisonous.
We’re no longer in that place of condemnation because of God’s grace. However some people still live in that place, they can wear it as a badge. But GRACE is the interrupter of our lives, changes how we feel about ourselves.
Grace interrupts and changes the rules. You can change your situation – you are good enough.
Here are several things that should be interrupted by grace...
1) Burden Carrying
When issues have already been dealt with, healed, complete, finished, because of what Christ has done – don’t pick those things up again.
Put down the burdens and let grace interrupt!
2) Shame
Ashamed of who we are, of what we’ve done. But God has set you free. He’s not ashamed of you, he’s exactly the opposite.
Shame can be taken from us as we allow his grace to interrupt our lives.
Woman caught in adultery – Jesus interrupts her life with grace. He removed the shame. She was forgiven.
3) Having a ‘work-like’ theology
When we’re constantly working to please God. Striving to make him love us more. We’ve forgotten what grace is all about.
Grace is not a loophole in your relationship with God. It’s the only way! Yes work for God, but from the position of Grace. Relational.
Grace is not just a one-off but a constant daily thing.
Some symptoms of us allowing these three areas to govern our lives...
We fail to show grace to others – we find ourselves condemning other people.
They sap our ability, our energy and life. We become harder, less giving, less fun. Cold and religious. We feel like we’ve lost control, no longer in charge of our lives.
There is another way to live, where we’ve stopped thinking we’re no longer fit for purpose.
We are loved. Inhabited by the Holy Spirit. God lives in us.
Romans 8:2 - because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death
The opposite of being condemned and feeling condemned – we now have a life-giving spirit. Not striving in our own strength. Able to boast about what God has done for us. We give life to others as a result of this. We remain teachable – we learn and grow.
Romans 8:6 - The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
Let the Holy Spirit control our lives – not allowing sin to reign. Let him be our compass. So when we stray from the map He guides us back onto the right track.
How do we ensure we live an uncondemned life? Knowing grace on a daily basis.
Be constantly thinking of grace. Grace is at the forefront of the Apostle Paul’s thoughts. “Grace and Peace to You…” - Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3, Philippians 1:2
Grace was his starting point, his default position. Grace was the reason for everything he did. Made it his mission to share the good news of God’s grace.
Let all of our words and actions be shaped by grace.
This is our life assignment, to live in his grace and to share this with others – the reason for being.
What would a review of our grace life reveal? Our grace map?
Let his grace be visible in our lives and in every area. Let it be the forefront of our lives, our mission in life. As we live lives full of grace we will bear good fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Grace and Favour III
Part 3 of our Grace and Favour series this morning in church. Paul Benger spoke a great message on “Finding Grace”.
2 Timothy 2:1 – “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus”
Grace = Supernatural enabling
His grace is sufficient for you. He delivers us out of or through difficult times but whatever way he does it his grace is sufficient.
Hebrews 4:14-16 – Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
This is the great news...Christ has won the victory. He’s been through it all…triumphed for you and me so that we could find grace today.
Three things taken from these verses that help us to live...
1) Keep Your Confession
...let us hold firmly to the faith we profess
What we say is more important than what we think it is. Our words are very powerful. Yes be truthful, be real, but good confession is vital for our lives.
We’re prophesying about our lives, we’re writing the script of our future.
Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful
We believe in a faithful God. He’s faithful to his word. He’s faithful to his people.
Psalm 45:1 – My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer
What is the theme of our heart? Whatever the theme is it will come out. Is our theme confidence in God?
We might say we can’t see a way out of our difficult situation...but with God you can – he will bring you through!
Hold fast to you confession of God’s word...what he says about you. You are shaped by God, a people of destiny.
Our confession - so often it is the first thing that goes when trouble hits us.
2) Let Us Draw Near
...Let us then approach the throne of grace (draw near)
Our natural reaction is to draw back when trouble comes. We pull away. Put yourself on the front foot - don’t draw back but draw near.
It is a throne of grace not a throne of judgement. There is enough grace in Jesus for you.
Also, draw near to the people of God. Don’t go into isolation. When challenge comes don’t draw back from the people of God. How many would be fulfilling their destiny today had they not drawn back when the challenges came?
3) Let Us Have Confidence
...Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence
We can be confident as we approach God today. He is for us, he wants the best for us. Loved by God, liked by God!
He is the answer. He is smarter/wiser than me! He has a plan for my life.
We have an enemy that wants to steal our confidence. To sabotage our confidence.
Hebrews 10:35 - So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded
He may undermine our confidence, but we are the ones who throw it away.
Our confidence is not in ourselves but in God. in Jesus Christ, his will, his power – he who began a good work in me will complete it!
Habakkuk 3:17-19 – Though the fig-tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
2 Timothy 2:1 – “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus”
Grace = Supernatural enabling
His grace is sufficient for you. He delivers us out of or through difficult times but whatever way he does it his grace is sufficient.
Hebrews 4:14-16 – Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
This is the great news...Christ has won the victory. He’s been through it all…triumphed for you and me so that we could find grace today.
Three things taken from these verses that help us to live...
1) Keep Your Confession
...let us hold firmly to the faith we profess
What we say is more important than what we think it is. Our words are very powerful. Yes be truthful, be real, but good confession is vital for our lives.
We’re prophesying about our lives, we’re writing the script of our future.
Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful
We believe in a faithful God. He’s faithful to his word. He’s faithful to his people.
Psalm 45:1 – My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer
What is the theme of our heart? Whatever the theme is it will come out. Is our theme confidence in God?
We might say we can’t see a way out of our difficult situation...but with God you can – he will bring you through!
Hold fast to you confession of God’s word...what he says about you. You are shaped by God, a people of destiny.
Our confession - so often it is the first thing that goes when trouble hits us.
2) Let Us Draw Near
...Let us then approach the throne of grace (draw near)
Our natural reaction is to draw back when trouble comes. We pull away. Put yourself on the front foot - don’t draw back but draw near.
It is a throne of grace not a throne of judgement. There is enough grace in Jesus for you.
Also, draw near to the people of God. Don’t go into isolation. When challenge comes don’t draw back from the people of God. How many would be fulfilling their destiny today had they not drawn back when the challenges came?
3) Let Us Have Confidence
...Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence
We can be confident as we approach God today. He is for us, he wants the best for us. Loved by God, liked by God!
He is the answer. He is smarter/wiser than me! He has a plan for my life.
We have an enemy that wants to steal our confidence. To sabotage our confidence.
Hebrews 10:35 - So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded
He may undermine our confidence, but we are the ones who throw it away.
Our confidence is not in ourselves but in God. in Jesus Christ, his will, his power – he who began a good work in me will complete it!
Habakkuk 3:17-19 – Though the fig-tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Grace and Favour Part II
Another great time in church today. Paul Benger continued this excellent series called Grave and Favour.
John 1:17 – For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Grace is all about Jesus and what He has done. We can reign in life, live an abundant life through the person of Jesus Christ.
Grace = God has smiled on you and you did not deserve it! Even when we understand this truth we can still find ourselves trying to earn his favour.
Grace is the power that helps us to overcome sin.
Romans 6:14 – For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
‘Sin’ is missing the mark of God’s best. When we live under grace sin is no longer the master.
The Purpose of the Law
The Law reveals our ‘inability’ to know God and leads us to live for God based on our ‘ability’. It shows us that we need Christ. The Law is good but it does not have the power to make us good.
The Children of Israel rebelled against God even though they had seen God’s amazing grace following the exodus from Egypt. Delivery from the Egyptians, crossing the Red Sea, Manna from Heaven. Yet they became reliable on their own self-righteousness.
Grace doesn’t rely on my righteousness but on His righteousness.
When we try and live in our righteousness we will see lack. Living in him and his righteousness we will see no lack.
Galatians 2:21 – I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
Romans 3:24 – and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus
When we preach the law, come on...‘get good’, ‘try harder’, ‘pray more’...we will fail.
1 Corinthians 15:56 – and the law gives sin its power. Tell a child, ‘Don’t touch that!’…What do they do? When we preach that we’re accepted in Christ, He loves us unconditionally…we live for him…we offer back to him our lives.
Four ways...How to reign in life through Jesus Christ
1) Focus on God’s love for you
God loves You...the Gospel of grace. “He loved a people undeserving!”
John 14:23 – Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them
Romans 8:35 – Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?
2) Let God set you free from the Law
From striving...trying to receive the favour of God. God likes you! Don’t live with the ‘daisy mentality’, ‘he loves me, he loves me not...’
Galatians 5:4 - For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace
The Christian life became hard when we forget the grace of God. Live out of his grace, it will turn our world around.
The church is at its best when it shows the love and grace of God. Not speaking a negative message of what we are against but a positive message of God’s love for the world.
3) Know who you are in Christ
1 John 4:17 – Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as He is, so are we in this world
He takes our sin and gives us his freedom and acceptance. If Jesus is pleasing to God, so are we. If he is right with God, so are we. Reigning?...so are we.
Let him invade your world. Through him you can become more than a conqueror and reign in life.
4) Refuse to be in bondage
Galatians: 5:1 – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
We can enjoy freedom living in the grace of God.
John 1:17 – For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Grace is all about Jesus and what He has done. We can reign in life, live an abundant life through the person of Jesus Christ.
Grace = God has smiled on you and you did not deserve it! Even when we understand this truth we can still find ourselves trying to earn his favour.
Grace is the power that helps us to overcome sin.
Romans 6:14 – For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
‘Sin’ is missing the mark of God’s best. When we live under grace sin is no longer the master.
The Purpose of the Law
The Law reveals our ‘inability’ to know God and leads us to live for God based on our ‘ability’. It shows us that we need Christ. The Law is good but it does not have the power to make us good.
The Children of Israel rebelled against God even though they had seen God’s amazing grace following the exodus from Egypt. Delivery from the Egyptians, crossing the Red Sea, Manna from Heaven. Yet they became reliable on their own self-righteousness.
Grace doesn’t rely on my righteousness but on His righteousness.
When we try and live in our righteousness we will see lack. Living in him and his righteousness we will see no lack.
Galatians 2:21 – I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
Romans 3:24 – and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus
When we preach the law, come on...‘get good’, ‘try harder’, ‘pray more’...we will fail.
1 Corinthians 15:56 – and the law gives sin its power. Tell a child, ‘Don’t touch that!’…What do they do? When we preach that we’re accepted in Christ, He loves us unconditionally…we live for him…we offer back to him our lives.
Four ways...How to reign in life through Jesus Christ
1) Focus on God’s love for you
God loves You...the Gospel of grace. “He loved a people undeserving!”
John 14:23 – Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them
Romans 8:35 – Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?
2) Let God set you free from the Law
From striving...trying to receive the favour of God. God likes you! Don’t live with the ‘daisy mentality’, ‘he loves me, he loves me not...’
Galatians 5:4 - For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace
The Christian life became hard when we forget the grace of God. Live out of his grace, it will turn our world around.
The church is at its best when it shows the love and grace of God. Not speaking a negative message of what we are against but a positive message of God’s love for the world.
3) Know who you are in Christ
1 John 4:17 – Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as He is, so are we in this world
He takes our sin and gives us his freedom and acceptance. If Jesus is pleasing to God, so are we. If he is right with God, so are we. Reigning?...so are we.
Let him invade your world. Through him you can become more than a conqueror and reign in life.
4) Refuse to be in bondage
Galatians: 5:1 – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
We can enjoy freedom living in the grace of God.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Grace and Favour Part I
An incredible time in church this morning. Paul Benger began our new three part series called Grave and Favour.
So often we focus on what we can do for him when in fact our focus should be on what he has done for us.
Ephesians 2:8 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God
2 Corinthians 8:9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich
Focus on the love of God because his focus is on us. That good news is open to all.
The Old Testament law is not enough, it’s not about rules or religion – it is all about relationship. Relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Grace is the foundation of the Christian life.
So often we revert to trying to please God, working hard for his favour. His favour is already with us! He reveals his grace through Jesus and all that he has done. We could never be worthy by what we do. And God doesn’t change. He doesn’t love us one day and not the next.
Grace = 1) favour undeserved 2) A gift given 3) Supernatural enabling or position.
The law says...Do good get good, do bad get beat! (eg – the woman caught in adultery)
Boast – on what he has done for us not what we do for him
When sea sick, focus on the horizon and not the waves! Focus on a fixed point. So we also must focus on Christ’s love that never changes, immutable, when our lives are in rough seas.
Looking at the disciples John and Peter we can learn so much from the kind of relationship we can have Jesus, helps us to understand our position in with Christ through grace, his love for us.
Peter would focus so much on what he could do for God. “I’ll wash your feet Jesus, not you wash mine!” John’s contrast to Peter was that he was aware of how much he meant to God, what God had done for him.
Boast – In Christ’s love for us
Five occasions is John’s Gospel where John says of himself, “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. On these five occasions we learn what we can have/experience as a result of the revelation of who we are because of what he has done for us.
1) Intimacy
John 13:22-28
When you boast in Christ’s work for you draw closer to his person. Whereas Peter sensed a distancing between him and Jesus, John had the revelation of the love of Christ for him and that position of strength for him.
2) Minister to the needs of the Lord
John 19:26-27
We minister the needs of the Lord. We get entrusted, given the responsibility to minister to others.
3) You make spiritual progress
John 20:2-4
Spiritual progress when you’re focused on Christ’s love for you. We make big strides, we grow. When we’re focused on the ‘done’ rather than on the ‘do’.
4) You’ll have quick and clear perception
John 21:6-8
You’ll know when it is God, when he is speaking to you. You’ll also know when it is the enemy. “I know you love me”.
5) You will be following Jesus
John 21:19-20
The disciple whom Jesus loved was already following him! Peter had to be told to follow him. When we’re focused on Christ’s love for us we will follow him. We won’t have to keep being told. It won’t be a struggle, a tug or a challenge.
Grace is a rich reservoir...everything we need for our lives. All that we ever do should be from that position.
So often we focus on what we can do for him when in fact our focus should be on what he has done for us.
Ephesians 2:8 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God
2 Corinthians 8:9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich
Focus on the love of God because his focus is on us. That good news is open to all.
The Old Testament law is not enough, it’s not about rules or religion – it is all about relationship. Relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Grace is the foundation of the Christian life.
So often we revert to trying to please God, working hard for his favour. His favour is already with us! He reveals his grace through Jesus and all that he has done. We could never be worthy by what we do. And God doesn’t change. He doesn’t love us one day and not the next.
Grace = 1) favour undeserved 2) A gift given 3) Supernatural enabling or position.
The law says...Do good get good, do bad get beat! (eg – the woman caught in adultery)
Boast – on what he has done for us not what we do for him
When sea sick, focus on the horizon and not the waves! Focus on a fixed point. So we also must focus on Christ’s love that never changes, immutable, when our lives are in rough seas.
Looking at the disciples John and Peter we can learn so much from the kind of relationship we can have Jesus, helps us to understand our position in with Christ through grace, his love for us.
Peter would focus so much on what he could do for God. “I’ll wash your feet Jesus, not you wash mine!” John’s contrast to Peter was that he was aware of how much he meant to God, what God had done for him.
Boast – In Christ’s love for us
Five occasions is John’s Gospel where John says of himself, “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. On these five occasions we learn what we can have/experience as a result of the revelation of who we are because of what he has done for us.
1) Intimacy
John 13:22-28
When you boast in Christ’s work for you draw closer to his person. Whereas Peter sensed a distancing between him and Jesus, John had the revelation of the love of Christ for him and that position of strength for him.
2) Minister to the needs of the Lord
John 19:26-27
We minister the needs of the Lord. We get entrusted, given the responsibility to minister to others.
3) You make spiritual progress
John 20:2-4
Spiritual progress when you’re focused on Christ’s love for you. We make big strides, we grow. When we’re focused on the ‘done’ rather than on the ‘do’.
4) You’ll have quick and clear perception
John 21:6-8
You’ll know when it is God, when he is speaking to you. You’ll also know when it is the enemy. “I know you love me”.
5) You will be following Jesus
John 21:19-20
The disciple whom Jesus loved was already following him! Peter had to be told to follow him. When we’re focused on Christ’s love for us we will follow him. We won’t have to keep being told. It won’t be a struggle, a tug or a challenge.
Grace is a rich reservoir...everything we need for our lives. All that we ever do should be from that position.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Passionate People
We're back...Happy New Year!
2008 got off to a great start in church this morning. Jeannie Benger shared about us being Passionate People.
God’s desire is for us to live lives with passion! A passion for him. Living for him and giving him our very best.
4 areas we should be passionate about.
1) A Passion for Life
John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full
God’s desire is that we live life to the full. To enjoy life. God’s word has all the wisdom we need to live our lives well. Everything we need for life is in His book.
We need to see life with God as the most fulfilling, the most satisfying.
Be passionate people, passionate for life. People want to be around those kinds of people. Magnetic…drawing others to God through the lives we live for him.
1 Timothy 6:17 – Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment
2) A Passion for His Church
When we are planted in God’s house we flourish. It changes our whole lives forever.
Psalm 92:13 - planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God
When people are planted they expand, they grow. Being planted also means having a passion for his house.
We are wanting to build a big church that reflects his glory. A house that has a passion for people to come to him.
Psalm 1:3 - He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
3) A Passion for God
Knowing and serving God is the most important thing in our lives. With God you never know what is going to happen next! Our desire...to know him more and more each day.
Let us live a life of thankfulness...of praise! We have so much to thank him for. As we live thankful and praiseful lives it changes the atmosphere around us. It lifts the lives of others.
Praising God also changes the outcome.
4) A Passion for People
God has blessed us...to be a blessing to others. We want to see people lives lifted up.
He loves people and we want to be like him. To love others, to have a passion for people.
You make a difference in people’s lives. Like Christ, love unconditionally in a world that loves conditionally.
2008 got off to a great start in church this morning. Jeannie Benger shared about us being Passionate People.
God’s desire is for us to live lives with passion! A passion for him. Living for him and giving him our very best.
4 areas we should be passionate about.
1) A Passion for Life
John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full
God’s desire is that we live life to the full. To enjoy life. God’s word has all the wisdom we need to live our lives well. Everything we need for life is in His book.
We need to see life with God as the most fulfilling, the most satisfying.
Be passionate people, passionate for life. People want to be around those kinds of people. Magnetic…drawing others to God through the lives we live for him.
1 Timothy 6:17 – Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment
2) A Passion for His Church
When we are planted in God’s house we flourish. It changes our whole lives forever.
Psalm 92:13 - planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God
When people are planted they expand, they grow. Being planted also means having a passion for his house.
We are wanting to build a big church that reflects his glory. A house that has a passion for people to come to him.
Psalm 1:3 - He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
3) A Passion for God
Knowing and serving God is the most important thing in our lives. With God you never know what is going to happen next! Our desire...to know him more and more each day.
Let us live a life of thankfulness...of praise! We have so much to thank him for. As we live thankful and praiseful lives it changes the atmosphere around us. It lifts the lives of others.
Praising God also changes the outcome.
4) A Passion for People
God has blessed us...to be a blessing to others. We want to see people lives lifted up.
He loves people and we want to be like him. To love others, to have a passion for people.
You make a difference in people’s lives. Like Christ, love unconditionally in a world that loves conditionally.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
The Secret
Great time in church today. I spoke on 'the Secret...of Contentment'.
We see a society striving for contentment; happiness; fulfilment. Looking for the next relationship...next holiday etc. ‘What have we got to look forward to next?’
The world strives for ‘the secret’ to happiness...to contentment.
There is a secret to contentment and it is something that I believe the Apostle Paul shares very clearly with us in the book of Philippians.
Philippians 4:11-13 (Amplified)
Contentment is something that can be a tremendous blessing when attained. The flipside - the lack of contentment can be a powerful negative force upon the life of anyone.
Like love, faithfulness, hope, joy and peace, ‘Contentment’ continues to grow when it is used and shared. It is not something when obtained we keep to ourselves. If we do...we lose it! Selfish living.
Proverbs 19:23 - The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble
1 Timothy 6:6 - But Godliness with contentment is great gain
Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you
Here’s the secret...
(13) I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency!]
Three ways to help us attain contentment and three battles we face to maintain contentment.
1) We need to attend Class
Paul states that contentment can be learned. He himself can and did learn it.
Vs 11 states that he has learned to be content in all circumstances, and in Vs 12, Paul says he learned the secret of being content.
He has learned contentment in all circumstances because he has been in all circumstances.
What has Paul learned? He has learned that God will provide.
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Paul has also learned to rely on the strength that God provides. When Paul says that he can do all things, he means that in all the circumstances he finds himself in, God’s strength is full and sufficient!
Paul once describes a “thorn in the flesh,” a physical experience he wants removed. However, God’s answer to Paul is “my grace is sufficient for you.”
Paul’s thorn taught him to rely on God’s provision, whether for material or physical needs.
2) We must have a Cause
Philippians 1:20-25 - (20) I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (22) If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! (23) I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far
I believe to have contentment we must have a Cause.
Paul had a mission, to take the Gospel anywhere he could. To complete his mission, he would do whatever was needed, endure whatever circumstances came his way.
Jesus was born for a cause, that CAUSE was to restore this world back to God. You and I also were born for a cause, and our connection to the world is that same cause, and it’s the cause of the King and of the Kingdom.
The “cause” is always about someone else...not about ME. Living for Him and to lift the lives of others!
3) We must have something to Cherish
We were ‘made’ to worship. If we don’t worship God, we will end up worshipping something/someone else. Why? The human heart is made to worship, but it is made to worship God. Nothing else fits!
Once we cherish God, all the other things that would try to grab our attention fall into their proper perspective. We see things as they really are.
Only true contentment comes when we cherish, worship the one true God.
Many challenges await us on our journey to contentment. Three significant challenges to overcome are:
1) We must not fall prey to Comparison
We must avoid making Comparisons. Comparing my situation and/or problems with others’ situations will never help, and almost always hurt.
How can we overcome comparisons? Comparisons are defeated through thanksgiving.
Philippians 4:6 – Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
Thankfulness will remind you and me that we truly are rich and, thus, will help us fight off comparisons.
2) We must remember we are in a Conflict
Spiritual Conflict is real. Satan is the god of this world, and he will use whatever this world has to offer to try to wound, defeat or discourage us.
A discontented Christian is no threat to him. Satan cannot defeat you, but he can make you ineffective. Discontentment is a powerful method for immobilising us.
2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 - The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
3) Quit Complaining!
Grumbling is...to complain in a surly manner, to mutter discontentedly
Do we ever mutter discontentedly? We all have! But for most of us we don’t allow this spirit to characterise our lives.
We have all had our grumbling moments – but there is a difference in having an occasional moan and being a grumbler – the consequences differ as well from having an occasional whinge and actually being a person who grumbles as a course of nature, habit and attitude.
The concern isn’t having a grumble the concern is when you stay there and make it your lifestyle and grumbling is always the first port of call in your life.
Philippians 2:14 (Amplified Bible) says; “Do all things without grumbling and fault-finding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves]
There is nothing about grumbling that is good – there are no redeeming features of grumbling and complaining - it is a destructive spirit with no positives to it.
Paul could have grumbled and complained because of his hardships – instead he learned the secret of contentment – of being content in any and every situation – what a challenge for us today!
Don’t let a lifestyle of grumbling...discontentment rob us of a life time of blessing - learn the secret of being content no matter what the circumstance – and remember...
You have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers you [Ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; You are self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency!]
We see a society striving for contentment; happiness; fulfilment. Looking for the next relationship...next holiday etc. ‘What have we got to look forward to next?’
The world strives for ‘the secret’ to happiness...to contentment.
There is a secret to contentment and it is something that I believe the Apostle Paul shares very clearly with us in the book of Philippians.
Philippians 4:11-13 (Amplified)
Contentment is something that can be a tremendous blessing when attained. The flipside - the lack of contentment can be a powerful negative force upon the life of anyone.
Like love, faithfulness, hope, joy and peace, ‘Contentment’ continues to grow when it is used and shared. It is not something when obtained we keep to ourselves. If we do...we lose it! Selfish living.
Proverbs 19:23 - The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble
1 Timothy 6:6 - But Godliness with contentment is great gain
Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you
Here’s the secret...
(13) I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency!]
Three ways to help us attain contentment and three battles we face to maintain contentment.
1) We need to attend Class
Paul states that contentment can be learned. He himself can and did learn it.
Vs 11 states that he has learned to be content in all circumstances, and in Vs 12, Paul says he learned the secret of being content.
He has learned contentment in all circumstances because he has been in all circumstances.
What has Paul learned? He has learned that God will provide.
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Paul has also learned to rely on the strength that God provides. When Paul says that he can do all things, he means that in all the circumstances he finds himself in, God’s strength is full and sufficient!
Paul once describes a “thorn in the flesh,” a physical experience he wants removed. However, God’s answer to Paul is “my grace is sufficient for you.”
Paul’s thorn taught him to rely on God’s provision, whether for material or physical needs.
2) We must have a Cause
Philippians 1:20-25 - (20) I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (22) If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! (23) I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far
I believe to have contentment we must have a Cause.
Paul had a mission, to take the Gospel anywhere he could. To complete his mission, he would do whatever was needed, endure whatever circumstances came his way.
Jesus was born for a cause, that CAUSE was to restore this world back to God. You and I also were born for a cause, and our connection to the world is that same cause, and it’s the cause of the King and of the Kingdom.
The “cause” is always about someone else...not about ME. Living for Him and to lift the lives of others!
3) We must have something to Cherish
We were ‘made’ to worship. If we don’t worship God, we will end up worshipping something/someone else. Why? The human heart is made to worship, but it is made to worship God. Nothing else fits!
Once we cherish God, all the other things that would try to grab our attention fall into their proper perspective. We see things as they really are.
Only true contentment comes when we cherish, worship the one true God.
Many challenges await us on our journey to contentment. Three significant challenges to overcome are:
1) We must not fall prey to Comparison
We must avoid making Comparisons. Comparing my situation and/or problems with others’ situations will never help, and almost always hurt.
How can we overcome comparisons? Comparisons are defeated through thanksgiving.
Philippians 4:6 – Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
Thankfulness will remind you and me that we truly are rich and, thus, will help us fight off comparisons.
2) We must remember we are in a Conflict
Spiritual Conflict is real. Satan is the god of this world, and he will use whatever this world has to offer to try to wound, defeat or discourage us.
A discontented Christian is no threat to him. Satan cannot defeat you, but he can make you ineffective. Discontentment is a powerful method for immobilising us.
2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 - The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
3) Quit Complaining!
Grumbling is...to complain in a surly manner, to mutter discontentedly
Do we ever mutter discontentedly? We all have! But for most of us we don’t allow this spirit to characterise our lives.
We have all had our grumbling moments – but there is a difference in having an occasional moan and being a grumbler – the consequences differ as well from having an occasional whinge and actually being a person who grumbles as a course of nature, habit and attitude.
The concern isn’t having a grumble the concern is when you stay there and make it your lifestyle and grumbling is always the first port of call in your life.
Philippians 2:14 (Amplified Bible) says; “Do all things without grumbling and fault-finding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves]
There is nothing about grumbling that is good – there are no redeeming features of grumbling and complaining - it is a destructive spirit with no positives to it.
Paul could have grumbled and complained because of his hardships – instead he learned the secret of contentment – of being content in any and every situation – what a challenge for us today!
Don’t let a lifestyle of grumbling...discontentment rob us of a life time of blessing - learn the secret of being content no matter what the circumstance – and remember...
You have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers you [Ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; You are self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency!]
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Attachment
Simon Wood spoke an encouraging message this morning in church on the laws of attachment.
The church is to reflect God’s heart, his life and hope. The message of good news to the world through the church. We want to see lives changed, turned around for good.
John 15:1-5 – (1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (2) He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (3) You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. (4) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (5) I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
We have a great future as we remain attached to the Vine, Jesus, and as we remain attached to one another...the church.
We remain fruitful as we remain attached to God and also attached to our world.
Psalm 1:1-3 – (1) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
As a church we don’t just remain attached to God but also to our world…our heart’s desire is to see them become attached to God.
For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son...God’s heart is for the world and as a church we seek to bless the world.
Connection and attachment comes though knowing God’s word...His truth sets us free.
Wisdom comes to us not just for church but also for where we go into our world, work, school, streets etc.
Proverbs 8:1-3 – Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud
Still need to remain connected to God’s wisdom and not the world’s wisdom. We’re called to be in the world but not to live by its wisdom.
God wants us to connect with people; we make a difference in people’s lives. Church is also a place to connect with people, where we grow and flourish.
John 17:10-12 – (10) All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. (11) I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me - so that they may be one as we are one. (12) While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
We’re meant to be as one so the world will see God and know the truth.
The church is to reflect God’s heart, his life and hope. The message of good news to the world through the church. We want to see lives changed, turned around for good.
John 15:1-5 – (1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (2) He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (3) You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. (4) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (5) I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
We have a great future as we remain attached to the Vine, Jesus, and as we remain attached to one another...the church.
We remain fruitful as we remain attached to God and also attached to our world.
Psalm 1:1-3 – (1) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
As a church we don’t just remain attached to God but also to our world…our heart’s desire is to see them become attached to God.
For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son...God’s heart is for the world and as a church we seek to bless the world.
Connection and attachment comes though knowing God’s word...His truth sets us free.
Wisdom comes to us not just for church but also for where we go into our world, work, school, streets etc.
Proverbs 8:1-3 – Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud
Still need to remain connected to God’s wisdom and not the world’s wisdom. We’re called to be in the world but not to live by its wisdom.
God wants us to connect with people; we make a difference in people’s lives. Church is also a place to connect with people, where we grow and flourish.
John 17:10-12 – (10) All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. (11) I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me - so that they may be one as we are one. (12) While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
We’re meant to be as one so the world will see God and know the truth.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Where does God go...? Part III
Paul Benger finished our latest series this morning. He spoke a great message entitled ‘Where does God go...on Saturday...when we rest?
When it comes to our worship everyday is special. But ‘rest’ is an important principle in our lives. The Jews celebrate the Sabbath, and for us everyday is holy and separate for God.
When we ‘rest’ we are living with trust and attitude of faith for God. Rest in our lives is important for our spiritual, physical and emotional being.
Psalm 23
‘Stuff’ can get to us in life. Our souls can become contaminated so we need to take time-out so our souls can be restored. God wants us to have a restored soul.
In Psalm 23 we are called sheep because of our relationship with the Shepherd. We need a Shepherd.
Jeremiah 17:22 – And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy
Don’t get bogged down, find freedom! Our faith offers us a place of rest.
Exodus 20:8-11- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
We cannot get right with God simply by obeying the commandments. The commandments show us that life works best like this. We get right with God through our relationship with Jesus.
The Sabbath is about Creation
When God had finished creating the heavens and the earth on the seventh day he rested. He was announcing that Creation was complete. That it was ‘very good’. He had no intention to work on it anymore. Just like Adam and Eve, we work in that environment of ‘rest. As they did on the seventh day.
When they fell the burden of work became apparent to them. Unrest is the result of the fall. Not as God intended it. He wanted to share perfect creation with them.
The Sabbath is reminding us of God’s intention. ‘Remember the way I made you’.
We were made to enjoy rest. We remember we are trusting God with our lives. Just like the ‘tithe’ we are trusting God with our finances...trusting God with our ‘time’ as we give it to him.
The Sabbath is about Redemption
Hebrews 4:1 - Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
God wants us to live unloaded, unburdened lives. Cast your cares upon him. He wants to carry our burdens.
Hebrews 4:9-10 – There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.
God wants us to know burdenless living. To be right with him through our relationship with Jesus Christ.
John 19:30 - When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished”. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit
When God had finished creating the earth His rest declared ‘it is finished’ - creation is complete.
When Jesus was on the cross he declared ‘it is finished’ - redemption is complete.
The work of redemption was complete.
Acts 3:19-21 – Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you— even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
He had paid the price for sin, for guilt.
A period of rest is so important in our lives. We are made that way. It restores us, re-energises us, re-envisions us. Religion is a poor shadow of the life God wants for you...and rest is a part of that life.
When it comes to our worship everyday is special. But ‘rest’ is an important principle in our lives. The Jews celebrate the Sabbath, and for us everyday is holy and separate for God.
When we ‘rest’ we are living with trust and attitude of faith for God. Rest in our lives is important for our spiritual, physical and emotional being.
Psalm 23
‘Stuff’ can get to us in life. Our souls can become contaminated so we need to take time-out so our souls can be restored. God wants us to have a restored soul.
In Psalm 23 we are called sheep because of our relationship with the Shepherd. We need a Shepherd.
Jeremiah 17:22 – And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy
Don’t get bogged down, find freedom! Our faith offers us a place of rest.
Exodus 20:8-11- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
We cannot get right with God simply by obeying the commandments. The commandments show us that life works best like this. We get right with God through our relationship with Jesus.
The Sabbath is about Creation
When God had finished creating the heavens and the earth on the seventh day he rested. He was announcing that Creation was complete. That it was ‘very good’. He had no intention to work on it anymore. Just like Adam and Eve, we work in that environment of ‘rest. As they did on the seventh day.
When they fell the burden of work became apparent to them. Unrest is the result of the fall. Not as God intended it. He wanted to share perfect creation with them.
The Sabbath is reminding us of God’s intention. ‘Remember the way I made you’.
We were made to enjoy rest. We remember we are trusting God with our lives. Just like the ‘tithe’ we are trusting God with our finances...trusting God with our ‘time’ as we give it to him.
The Sabbath is about Redemption
Hebrews 4:1 - Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
God wants us to live unloaded, unburdened lives. Cast your cares upon him. He wants to carry our burdens.
Hebrews 4:9-10 – There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.
God wants us to know burdenless living. To be right with him through our relationship with Jesus Christ.
John 19:30 - When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished”. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit
When God had finished creating the earth His rest declared ‘it is finished’ - creation is complete.
When Jesus was on the cross he declared ‘it is finished’ - redemption is complete.
The work of redemption was complete.
Acts 3:19-21 – Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you— even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
He had paid the price for sin, for guilt.
A period of rest is so important in our lives. We are made that way. It restores us, re-energises us, re-envisions us. Religion is a poor shadow of the life God wants for you...and rest is a part of that life.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Where does God go...? Part II
Paul Benger continued this excellent series this morning. He spoke on ‘Where does God go...on Monday...when we go to work?
We can find ourselves living our lives in boxes. Our Christian lives can also become one of those boxes...the one and half-hours on Sunday morning for example. When in fact it should influence the whole of our lives.
Work is a good example of this. We spend 40 to 60% of our lives at work.
What is our view of work? Some people have a negative view. That work only came after ‘the fall’. God had not intended us to work. We work just to pay the bills.
Some people have a much more positive view of work. That work not only supports me but also releases me. Some see at as a ‘calling’, vocational…it’s what I’m meant to be doing.
The Bible tells us that work is an important part of our faith.
James 2:17 – Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead
God provides the food for the birds but they still have to go out and get it.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Strong Christians have a positive view of work.
(The Boss) Colossians 4:1 – Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven
(The Employees) Ephesians 6:5 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ
We don’t go to work to receive joy...we bring joy to the job with our attitude. Our attitude to our work is so important.
"The maid who sweeps the floor worships God while she does it. Not because she might sing a hymn while she swept, but because God loves clean floors" Martin Luther
God uses busy people. Luke 10:2 – He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field
This was Jesus’ vision of how to change the world. He is looking for people. Let us work smarter as a church to reach our world.
The Disciples were busy when Jesus came to them and called them.
People sometimes think that others ‘have’ because they are luckier than they are. What is true though...
“The harder I work the luckier I become” Thomas Jefferson
5 truths about work...
1) Work is the call of God on our lives
Genesis 2:5 – The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it
It is wrong to think that ‘work’ only came about because of the fall of man. God gave work to Adam before he fell.
We’re here to take care of our world...and what I am doing is my bit. Our work is our worship to God.
Colossians 3:22-24 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
2) Work provides me with resources so that I can give
Ephesians 4:28 – He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Making a profit is not evil. It allows us to give...to be generous in all that we do.
3) Influence comes through our work
We can bring God’s will through the influence that we have. Our prayer is to see Christians having influence across all spheres within our society. We want to see God’s Kingdom, his will coming into our lives and in the lives of those around us. Prayer is so important, praying for the will of God to come, as Jesus showed us how to pray.
Proverbs 11:10 - When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices. Chesterfield will be a better place.
4) Work produces diligence
Be a good finisher as well as a good starter. As we work we learn to become finishers, that we are in control. We are not ‘reactive’ people in our work but we get the job done because we are in charge of our lives.
Psalm 8:4-6 – What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet
We take charge. Not someone else...but YOU.
5) Our future comes from our work
Proverbs 13:23 – A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away
There’s a lot in the ground of your world. We will see so much in our future as we work faithfully for God having the right heart and attitude.
We can find ourselves living our lives in boxes. Our Christian lives can also become one of those boxes...the one and half-hours on Sunday morning for example. When in fact it should influence the whole of our lives.
Work is a good example of this. We spend 40 to 60% of our lives at work.
What is our view of work? Some people have a negative view. That work only came after ‘the fall’. God had not intended us to work. We work just to pay the bills.
Some people have a much more positive view of work. That work not only supports me but also releases me. Some see at as a ‘calling’, vocational…it’s what I’m meant to be doing.
The Bible tells us that work is an important part of our faith.
James 2:17 – Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead
God provides the food for the birds but they still have to go out and get it.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Strong Christians have a positive view of work.
(The Boss) Colossians 4:1 – Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven
(The Employees) Ephesians 6:5 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ
We don’t go to work to receive joy...we bring joy to the job with our attitude. Our attitude to our work is so important.
"The maid who sweeps the floor worships God while she does it. Not because she might sing a hymn while she swept, but because God loves clean floors" Martin Luther
God uses busy people. Luke 10:2 – He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field
This was Jesus’ vision of how to change the world. He is looking for people. Let us work smarter as a church to reach our world.
The Disciples were busy when Jesus came to them and called them.
People sometimes think that others ‘have’ because they are luckier than they are. What is true though...
“The harder I work the luckier I become” Thomas Jefferson
5 truths about work...
1) Work is the call of God on our lives
Genesis 2:5 – The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it
It is wrong to think that ‘work’ only came about because of the fall of man. God gave work to Adam before he fell.
We’re here to take care of our world...and what I am doing is my bit. Our work is our worship to God.
Colossians 3:22-24 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
2) Work provides me with resources so that I can give
Ephesians 4:28 – He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Making a profit is not evil. It allows us to give...to be generous in all that we do.
3) Influence comes through our work
We can bring God’s will through the influence that we have. Our prayer is to see Christians having influence across all spheres within our society. We want to see God’s Kingdom, his will coming into our lives and in the lives of those around us. Prayer is so important, praying for the will of God to come, as Jesus showed us how to pray.
Proverbs 11:10 - When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices. Chesterfield will be a better place.
4) Work produces diligence
Be a good finisher as well as a good starter. As we work we learn to become finishers, that we are in control. We are not ‘reactive’ people in our work but we get the job done because we are in charge of our lives.
Psalm 8:4-6 – What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet
We take charge. Not someone else...but YOU.
5) Our future comes from our work
Proverbs 13:23 – A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away
There’s a lot in the ground of your world. We will see so much in our future as we work faithfully for God having the right heart and attitude.
Monday, November 12, 2007
When Storms Come
Great time in church yesterday. I spoke on the subject of navigating life’s storms.
Acts 27:13-44
Matthew 7:24-27
Storms know now boundaries and have no favourites. Notice the similarities in what happened to both men…the rains came, the streams rose, the winds blew. The reality is, life is full of storms. And storms are no respecter of persons. No matter what kind of life we’re living the storms will still come.
So often people want to debate the cause of the storm but all Jesus wants us to see is the kind of foundation on which to build our lives upon. The right question is not whether they will come, or when, but how we will respond to them.
In Acts 27 they were in a storm that seemed to be overwhelming. In an effort to save the ship and their lives, they cast four anchors into the sea. These anchors proved ineffective against the storm and the ship was ultimately lost. However I believe the Apostle Paul had four anchors as well. These anchors steadied him during the storm. Even though that ship was shaken and battered, Paul was able to make it because he had these anchors in his life.
Hebrews 6:18-19: We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place. Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever.
The same anchors that kept Paul steady in his storm are available to you and me when our storms come.
1) The Presence of God
Vs 23 - Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me
Paul found that even in the midst of the raging storm he was not alone. The Lord came to him to minister peace to his heart.
Hebrews 13:5 – I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me
2) The Promises of God
Vs 23-25 – (23) Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me (24) and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' (25) So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
For Paul, just having a word from God was enough to anchor him and give him that assurance. He knew God was a promise keeping God.
Romans 4:21 – “What he promises He is able to perform.”
Promises from God’s Word make a strong anchor in the stormy seas of life.
3) The Purposes of God
Vs 24 - “…Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you”
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future.”
God has a plan for you – He has a plan to give you hope, to prosper you not to harm you – he has a future for you!
Paul had a purpose. Even though he was in the storm of his life he knew he was living for Christ. He was a prisoner yet he had purpose. Like Paul, you will not only survive the storm, but you will also accomplish your mission.
4) The Power of God
Vs 44 - “…everyone reached land in safety”
If I am in a storm I want to be anchored to the strong power of the one who can calm the winds and the waves. God is able to work it all out! He will get you through your storm and land you safely beyond it!
Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Jeremiah 32:17 “…for you have made the heavens by your great power…nothing is too hard for you.”
When our lives are in a time of storm we need to: “Do the natural everyday things”
Acts 27:34 - Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head."
Though it tries, we cannot allow the storm to take over our whole life. We need to do our part so God can do His part
When our lives are in a time of storm we need to: “Give thanks and worship God”
Acts 27:35-36 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.
When the waves are crashing against us, we find out where our trust is. When we are in a storm God can do two things: Calm the storm or calm me!
When our lives are in a time of storm: “Don’t forget there is a shore”
Acts 27:44 – 28:1 …In this way everyone reached land in safety. (28:1) Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta
The storm will end. There is still a destination at the end of the storm. God’s assignment for Paul did not change because of the storm and neither does a storm change yours.
There are people on your shore who need the God that brought you through the storms of your life.
Acts 27:13-44
Matthew 7:24-27
Storms know now boundaries and have no favourites. Notice the similarities in what happened to both men…the rains came, the streams rose, the winds blew. The reality is, life is full of storms. And storms are no respecter of persons. No matter what kind of life we’re living the storms will still come.
So often people want to debate the cause of the storm but all Jesus wants us to see is the kind of foundation on which to build our lives upon. The right question is not whether they will come, or when, but how we will respond to them.
In Acts 27 they were in a storm that seemed to be overwhelming. In an effort to save the ship and their lives, they cast four anchors into the sea. These anchors proved ineffective against the storm and the ship was ultimately lost. However I believe the Apostle Paul had four anchors as well. These anchors steadied him during the storm. Even though that ship was shaken and battered, Paul was able to make it because he had these anchors in his life.
Hebrews 6:18-19: We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place. Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever.
The same anchors that kept Paul steady in his storm are available to you and me when our storms come.
1) The Presence of God
Vs 23 - Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me
Paul found that even in the midst of the raging storm he was not alone. The Lord came to him to minister peace to his heart.
Hebrews 13:5 – I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me
2) The Promises of God
Vs 23-25 – (23) Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me (24) and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' (25) So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
For Paul, just having a word from God was enough to anchor him and give him that assurance. He knew God was a promise keeping God.
Romans 4:21 – “What he promises He is able to perform.”
Promises from God’s Word make a strong anchor in the stormy seas of life.
3) The Purposes of God
Vs 24 - “…Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you”
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future.”
God has a plan for you – He has a plan to give you hope, to prosper you not to harm you – he has a future for you!
Paul had a purpose. Even though he was in the storm of his life he knew he was living for Christ. He was a prisoner yet he had purpose. Like Paul, you will not only survive the storm, but you will also accomplish your mission.
4) The Power of God
Vs 44 - “…everyone reached land in safety”
If I am in a storm I want to be anchored to the strong power of the one who can calm the winds and the waves. God is able to work it all out! He will get you through your storm and land you safely beyond it!
Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Jeremiah 32:17 “…for you have made the heavens by your great power…nothing is too hard for you.”
When our lives are in a time of storm we need to: “Do the natural everyday things”
Acts 27:34 - Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head."
Though it tries, we cannot allow the storm to take over our whole life. We need to do our part so God can do His part
When our lives are in a time of storm we need to: “Give thanks and worship God”
Acts 27:35-36 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.
When the waves are crashing against us, we find out where our trust is. When we are in a storm God can do two things: Calm the storm or calm me!
When our lives are in a time of storm: “Don’t forget there is a shore”
Acts 27:44 – 28:1 …In this way everyone reached land in safety. (28:1) Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta
The storm will end. There is still a destination at the end of the storm. God’s assignment for Paul did not change because of the storm and neither does a storm change yours.
There are people on your shore who need the God that brought you through the storms of your life.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Where does God go…? Part I
Paul Benger began our new series this morning in church. He spoke an excellent message on ‘Where does God go...on Sunday?’
God is in everything. We cannot keep God in a separate box from everything else (i.e. a ‘church’ box). What is God doing on a Sunday morning?
There are so many Christians who no longer go to church…saying they can meet God on the golf course, or that they can get all they need from Christian TV. Why do we even bother going to church at all? It is so important that we get church right.
We need all of the following spaces. We meet God in all of them. Where Jesus connects with us.
We meet and connect in public spaces – having shared experiences.
We meet and connect in social spaces – this is the kind of space that churches often have the least of. They are very important, where coffee and small talk happens.
We meet and connect in personal spaces – Groups of six to twelve people, we call our ‘connect groups’. Where people bond.
We meet and connect in intimate spaces – where we share everythinng with just a few people. Our spouse, best friend etc.
Our times together on a Sunday, the church corporate, are so important...our shared experience. But this is not the only space that we need...we need all of the others too.
On Sundays we worship together. Sometimes we worship with people we don’t know but we are still ‘one’ in Christ.
Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body, the church
1 Peter 2:5 - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light
We are the people of God doing life together. God has a plan for us; he gets his will and purposes done through us, the church. God made us for this purpose to be together as the church living healthy lives.
Sunday mornings have to be good! We meet God through each other.
Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them
Why do we meet together?
I need to praise God
Does God need our worship? He made us so that when we see something greater than ‘us’ we have the need to praise it. When we get the revelation of who God is, when we truly see Him, we have to praise and worship Him.
I need to see a big God
Without church my vision of God becomes small. My troubles are magnified and hope fades. When we’re together lifting God, lifting one another, something happens...we begin to see a big God. ‘O magnify the Lord with me!’ – not on my own but together. God becomes bigger in our eyes, our perspective changes.
I need to see the reason for my faith
To see why we are here, together within His body. That God wants to do something through us as we come together. There is an impartation in our lives that we’ve been called to something great. The vision becomes clearer.
How do we make Sundays great?
Consider people – making people feel that they belong.
Consider the atmosphere – the presence of God comes as we gather together. Let us bring our passionate praise for God into our times together.
Let us make church a place where people can interact, participate, have fun, know fullness of life, be cared for and grow.
God is in everything. We cannot keep God in a separate box from everything else (i.e. a ‘church’ box). What is God doing on a Sunday morning?
There are so many Christians who no longer go to church…saying they can meet God on the golf course, or that they can get all they need from Christian TV. Why do we even bother going to church at all? It is so important that we get church right.
We need all of the following spaces. We meet God in all of them. Where Jesus connects with us.
We meet and connect in public spaces – having shared experiences.
We meet and connect in social spaces – this is the kind of space that churches often have the least of. They are very important, where coffee and small talk happens.
We meet and connect in personal spaces – Groups of six to twelve people, we call our ‘connect groups’. Where people bond.
We meet and connect in intimate spaces – where we share everythinng with just a few people. Our spouse, best friend etc.
Our times together on a Sunday, the church corporate, are so important...our shared experience. But this is not the only space that we need...we need all of the others too.
On Sundays we worship together. Sometimes we worship with people we don’t know but we are still ‘one’ in Christ.
Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body, the church
1 Peter 2:5 - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light
We are the people of God doing life together. God has a plan for us; he gets his will and purposes done through us, the church. God made us for this purpose to be together as the church living healthy lives.
Sunday mornings have to be good! We meet God through each other.
Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them
Why do we meet together?
I need to praise God
Does God need our worship? He made us so that when we see something greater than ‘us’ we have the need to praise it. When we get the revelation of who God is, when we truly see Him, we have to praise and worship Him.
I need to see a big God
Without church my vision of God becomes small. My troubles are magnified and hope fades. When we’re together lifting God, lifting one another, something happens...we begin to see a big God. ‘O magnify the Lord with me!’ – not on my own but together. God becomes bigger in our eyes, our perspective changes.
I need to see the reason for my faith
To see why we are here, together within His body. That God wants to do something through us as we come together. There is an impartation in our lives that we’ve been called to something great. The vision becomes clearer.
How do we make Sundays great?
Consider people – making people feel that they belong.
Consider the atmosphere – the presence of God comes as we gather together. Let us bring our passionate praise for God into our times together.
Let us make church a place where people can interact, participate, have fun, know fullness of life, be cared for and grow.
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