Excellent time in church this morning…Paul Benger brought the concluding part to our Love Affair series with a great message called ‘Indecent Proposal’. (Podcast)
Romans 8:35-37
There is one thing that never changes...God’s love for us.
Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'
Love your neighbour as yourself...that’s the indecent proposal. Jesus takes this further, Matthew 5:43-44 – You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Three facts about loving your neighbour…
1) We will love our neighbour when we are confident that God loves us
Despite who we are, what we have done, God still loves us. And he loved us first, 1 John 4:19 - We love because he first loved us
Our love is a reflection of God’s love for mankind. Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Being chosen by God must be the best category of people to be in (not the rich or famous category!)
God wants to bring you out of your desolate places. Isaiah 62:4 – No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate...for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married.
2) We will love our neighbour when we appreciate the fact that God loves our neighbour
Understand that God is redeeming his world. He is not willing that any should perish…to bring the world back to himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19 - ...that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We too have been given the job of bringing the world back to God.
It is important that we have intimacy with God and involvement with our world. Not one without the other, otherwise we become lopsided!
3) We will love our neighbour when we learn to love ourselves
‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. Many of us carry a low opinion of ourselves. Maybe because of bad experiences in the past, we have felt devalued in some way.
Some of us have carried criticism that has bee very specific and hurtful. It is important that we praise and encourage one another...and be specific in our praise. Give specific words of encouragement into people’s lives.
Be careful who we listen to...receive encouragement in your life. God loves you and thinks you are amazing! Let us keep our focus on who we are in Christ.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Love Affair II
Paul Benger continued our Love Affair series this morning with a great message entitled ‘Love Letter’.
Romans 8:35-37
We need that revelation of God’s love for us. God’s word is his love letter to us...telling us what he thinks about us. We need to read and reread his letter! God loves us, we need to see it and believe it.
Approaches to God’s word...
People deny it – they just don’t believe it…even Christians!
People distort it – twist it to mean something that suits their belief. Take verses out of context and build a whole theology around it.
People dissect it – use it like a science book. Chop it up and delve deeply making it more scientific when faith is needed.
People disregard it – it gathers dust on the shelf. Or they read it but don’t follow its teaching.
The Bible is the Word of God to us. Truths about His word...
1) The Word of God is a “Love Letter” to us
Jeremiah 31:3 - I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself
The Bible tells us of our condition before we come to Christ. That we are rescued from darkness to light, from unforgiveness to forgiveness, from one Kingdom to another. In whatever state we find ourselves His word tells us how much he loves us.
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2) The Word of God is “Light”
A lamp to my feet. Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
We need God to illuminate our lives...to light our path. Not just show us where to go but ‘how’ to go. Out attitudes and actions...how we interact with others.
3) The Word of God is “Lunch”
Jeremiah 15:16 - When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty
Christianity is a diet and exercise thing...it’s not just about digesting his word from the table set before us. It’s about putting his word into practice. Having the revelation but also bringing the revelation to others.
Ephesians 4:11-12 - It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
We are all ministers...we don’t just need a bible study - we need a place to work.
4) The Word of God is “Life”
His word is alive and it comes alive in us! It helps us see the way through in times of trouble. ‘We are more than conquerors’.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart
John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
Romans 8:35-37
We need that revelation of God’s love for us. God’s word is his love letter to us...telling us what he thinks about us. We need to read and reread his letter! God loves us, we need to see it and believe it.
Approaches to God’s word...
People deny it – they just don’t believe it…even Christians!
People distort it – twist it to mean something that suits their belief. Take verses out of context and build a whole theology around it.
People dissect it – use it like a science book. Chop it up and delve deeply making it more scientific when faith is needed.
People disregard it – it gathers dust on the shelf. Or they read it but don’t follow its teaching.
The Bible is the Word of God to us. Truths about His word...
1) The Word of God is a “Love Letter” to us
Jeremiah 31:3 - I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself
The Bible tells us of our condition before we come to Christ. That we are rescued from darkness to light, from unforgiveness to forgiveness, from one Kingdom to another. In whatever state we find ourselves His word tells us how much he loves us.
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2) The Word of God is “Light”
A lamp to my feet. Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
We need God to illuminate our lives...to light our path. Not just show us where to go but ‘how’ to go. Out attitudes and actions...how we interact with others.
3) The Word of God is “Lunch”
Jeremiah 15:16 - When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty
Christianity is a diet and exercise thing...it’s not just about digesting his word from the table set before us. It’s about putting his word into practice. Having the revelation but also bringing the revelation to others.
Ephesians 4:11-12 - It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
We are all ministers...we don’t just need a bible study - we need a place to work.
4) The Word of God is “Life”
His word is alive and it comes alive in us! It helps us see the way through in times of trouble. ‘We are more than conquerors’.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart
John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The Touch of Heaven
Great time in church this morning. I spoke on the 'Touch of Heaven'.
Jesus is the Light of the world and that light of life is within us and it is our mission to light the world wherever we go.
The Message: Matthew 5:13-16, “Let me tell you why you are here…. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.”
We are praying for that ‘touch of Heaven’, His will to be done. The touch of Heaven in us…in our church...that the light of Heaven can shine through us, our church, and so that in turn we become the reflection of Heaven.
Genesis 28:10-17
Heaven is where God is - ‘surely the Lord is in this place’.
The church...to be the gateway to heaven. A place where when people arrive they get that taste, that glimpse of what heaven is going to be like.
Let us think about what Heaven will be like, helping us cement our desire to see God’s Heavenly will being done in our lives and in our church, and help us bring that ‘touch of heaven’.
Heaven...
It is ‘the place’ to be!
When we walk into heaven I am sure it will take our breath away. I believe that church should have the same impact. There should be a sense that when people come in they’ve stepped out of one place into another.
It is a place that is ‘irresistible’
I imagine heaven to be a place that is irresistible. In Psalms there are many references to wanting to be in the presence of God, it talks of thirsting, longing, desiring, yearning.
Psalm 84:2 - ‘My soul longs, yes, even faints, for the courts of the Lord...One day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere’.
Church needs to be more than just part of our weekly routine, and we need to challenge that thought in our lives. It’s the people of God, joining together in worship and adoration of God, bringing and experiencing a touch of heaven on earth.
Psalm 27:4 ‘One thing I ask Lord, that I will seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever’
It is a place of unity
In heaven there is a perfect unity. Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in perfect unity.
All of heaven is united in their worship and adoration of God.
Unity is such a crucial feature of a relevant church and something that we must pursue and guard jealously.
John 17:23 May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
It is a place of excellence
I believe that heaven is a place of excellence and precision.
In everything we do we need to strive for excellence, in how we fulfil our roles being fully committed in whatever we do...excellence in our attitudes and speech, full of positivitey, hope and love, excellence in the presentation there should be no excuse for shabbiness or untidiness.
‘Anything will do’ - that attitude should be out of the window.
‘Excellence is never accidental’ - It will take work and effort but it’s worth it. Isaiah 66:1 - "Heaven is my throne, earth is my footstool. What sort of house could you build for me?”
It is a place of life and passion
I think heaven is full of passion. In your presence is fullness of joy - Psalm 16:11
Revelation 8:1 - When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour!
It is a safe place
Revelation 21:3-4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away
But while we’re here on earth there are tears and there are sorrows. But when people come into this place, they need to experience the safety and security of heaven. We need to ensure that this house is a place where people can draw strength and find protection.
God wants to heal the hurting in people’s lives. As a church we are not here to judge people, we’re not here to condemn them, but our job is to cherish them - to lift the lives of people.
It is a place populated by a people with a Heavenly perspective
Philippians 3:20 - But our citizenship is in heaven.
We are strangers in this world...already citizens of another.
But more than just citizens, ambassadors of that country...representatives.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 – (17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (18) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: (19) that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (20) We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Jesus is the Light of the world and that light of life is within us and it is our mission to light the world wherever we go.
The Message: Matthew 5:13-16, “Let me tell you why you are here…. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.”
We are praying for that ‘touch of Heaven’, His will to be done. The touch of Heaven in us…in our church...that the light of Heaven can shine through us, our church, and so that in turn we become the reflection of Heaven.
Genesis 28:10-17
Heaven is where God is - ‘surely the Lord is in this place’.
The church...to be the gateway to heaven. A place where when people arrive they get that taste, that glimpse of what heaven is going to be like.
Let us think about what Heaven will be like, helping us cement our desire to see God’s Heavenly will being done in our lives and in our church, and help us bring that ‘touch of heaven’.
Heaven...
It is ‘the place’ to be!
When we walk into heaven I am sure it will take our breath away. I believe that church should have the same impact. There should be a sense that when people come in they’ve stepped out of one place into another.
It is a place that is ‘irresistible’
I imagine heaven to be a place that is irresistible. In Psalms there are many references to wanting to be in the presence of God, it talks of thirsting, longing, desiring, yearning.
Psalm 84:2 - ‘My soul longs, yes, even faints, for the courts of the Lord...One day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere’.
Church needs to be more than just part of our weekly routine, and we need to challenge that thought in our lives. It’s the people of God, joining together in worship and adoration of God, bringing and experiencing a touch of heaven on earth.
Psalm 27:4 ‘One thing I ask Lord, that I will seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever’
It is a place of unity
In heaven there is a perfect unity. Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in perfect unity.
All of heaven is united in their worship and adoration of God.
Unity is such a crucial feature of a relevant church and something that we must pursue and guard jealously.
John 17:23 May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
It is a place of excellence
I believe that heaven is a place of excellence and precision.
In everything we do we need to strive for excellence, in how we fulfil our roles being fully committed in whatever we do...excellence in our attitudes and speech, full of positivitey, hope and love, excellence in the presentation there should be no excuse for shabbiness or untidiness.
‘Anything will do’ - that attitude should be out of the window.
‘Excellence is never accidental’ - It will take work and effort but it’s worth it. Isaiah 66:1 - "Heaven is my throne, earth is my footstool. What sort of house could you build for me?”
It is a place of life and passion
I think heaven is full of passion. In your presence is fullness of joy - Psalm 16:11
Revelation 8:1 - When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour!
It is a safe place
Revelation 21:3-4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away
But while we’re here on earth there are tears and there are sorrows. But when people come into this place, they need to experience the safety and security of heaven. We need to ensure that this house is a place where people can draw strength and find protection.
God wants to heal the hurting in people’s lives. As a church we are not here to judge people, we’re not here to condemn them, but our job is to cherish them - to lift the lives of people.
It is a place populated by a people with a Heavenly perspective
Philippians 3:20 - But our citizenship is in heaven.
We are strangers in this world...already citizens of another.
But more than just citizens, ambassadors of that country...representatives.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 – (17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (18) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: (19) that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (20) We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Love Affair I
Paul Benger began what promises to be an excellent series called ‘love affair’ this morning in church. This first part was entitled ‘first love’ or ‘fatal attraction’.
Ever been attracted to something or someone you fell for, but it was a ‘fatal attraction’?
Romans 8:35-37
Sometimes we may feel like we are separated from his love. But the Bible is very clear that God loves us. His love is unfailing, unending, consistent and constant. We should never doubt it.
Only when we fully appreciate the love of God for us can we fully love other people and correctly represent his love.
Jesus was secure in the love the Father had for him. Jesus wants us to remain in that love. John 15:9 – As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
Whatever state we find ourselves in God loves us. He wants to change the life of people.
Why do we doubt the love of God? 5 reasons why...
1) Stuff happens in life
This often makes us question the love of god, as we experience failures, upsets, sickness etc. We feel let down as ‘stuff happens’. When the trivial stuff happens as well as the serious, we ask does God really love me?
2) We believe the lies told about us
There is too much disbelief around us, it can cling to us like tar. Jesus wants to wash that away, he believes the very best for us and wants to do so much in our lives. As a church we believe in the best of people and we want to see lives lifted up and God to set people free and to become all that He wants them to be.
3) We have an enemy who wants to keep us from what God wants for us
We have an ‘accuser’ saying that we’re not good enough. We need to make a decision today...to believe what God says about us.
4) We don’t feel it
Live by faith not by our feelings.
5) Sometimes it is because of what we’ve been taught
We may have been taught in the past that ‘God is looking for anyway he can to get out of blessing us’ – the opposite is true. He wants to get you to a place where you can receive blessing.
Reasons why we should never doubt...
He loved us first
Right at creation, he set in motion his plan for bringing us back to him.
1 John 4:19 – We love because he first loved us
God is love
It’s his nature, his character. He isn’t ‘hate’, he isn’t ‘begrudging’ – He is LOVE.
1 John 4:8 – Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love
Jesus
Jesus is the demonstration of his love for us. 1 John 4:10 -This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life
Scripture shouts it!
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love (John 15:9)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you (John 15:12)
No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God (John 16:27)
Reasons we can be sure of the love of God...
We can know total forgiveness
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12) Not partial – Total
We can overcome fear
God’s perfect love casts out all fear.
1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love
We know that God will use for our good every situation and circumstance
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)
We live every day under God’s grace and favour
Everyday! Ephesians 2:4-5 – But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.
We can rebuild God’s image in our lives
Leave today believing what God says about you!
We can overcome the enemy’s accusations in life.
Ever been attracted to something or someone you fell for, but it was a ‘fatal attraction’?
Romans 8:35-37
Sometimes we may feel like we are separated from his love. But the Bible is very clear that God loves us. His love is unfailing, unending, consistent and constant. We should never doubt it.
Only when we fully appreciate the love of God for us can we fully love other people and correctly represent his love.
Jesus was secure in the love the Father had for him. Jesus wants us to remain in that love. John 15:9 – As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
Whatever state we find ourselves in God loves us. He wants to change the life of people.
Why do we doubt the love of God? 5 reasons why...
1) Stuff happens in life
This often makes us question the love of god, as we experience failures, upsets, sickness etc. We feel let down as ‘stuff happens’. When the trivial stuff happens as well as the serious, we ask does God really love me?
2) We believe the lies told about us
There is too much disbelief around us, it can cling to us like tar. Jesus wants to wash that away, he believes the very best for us and wants to do so much in our lives. As a church we believe in the best of people and we want to see lives lifted up and God to set people free and to become all that He wants them to be.
3) We have an enemy who wants to keep us from what God wants for us
We have an ‘accuser’ saying that we’re not good enough. We need to make a decision today...to believe what God says about us.
4) We don’t feel it
Live by faith not by our feelings.
5) Sometimes it is because of what we’ve been taught
We may have been taught in the past that ‘God is looking for anyway he can to get out of blessing us’ – the opposite is true. He wants to get you to a place where you can receive blessing.
Reasons why we should never doubt...
He loved us first
Right at creation, he set in motion his plan for bringing us back to him.
1 John 4:19 – We love because he first loved us
God is love
It’s his nature, his character. He isn’t ‘hate’, he isn’t ‘begrudging’ – He is LOVE.
1 John 4:8 – Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love
Jesus
Jesus is the demonstration of his love for us. 1 John 4:10 -This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life
Scripture shouts it!
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love (John 15:9)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you (John 15:12)
No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God (John 16:27)
Reasons we can be sure of the love of God...
We can know total forgiveness
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12) Not partial – Total
We can overcome fear
God’s perfect love casts out all fear.
1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love
We know that God will use for our good every situation and circumstance
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)
We live every day under God’s grace and favour
Everyday! Ephesians 2:4-5 – But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.
We can rebuild God’s image in our lives
Leave today believing what God says about you!
We can overcome the enemy’s accusations in life.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Be Real
Great to be back in church this morning after our summer holiday. Jeannie Benger brought an excellent message on ‘being real’.
The world is looking for reality. Look at all the reality TV shows around at the moment. People also looking to see reality in the church as well. They want to see us being real and normal. Throughout our whole lives and not just something we switch-on on a Sunday. A people of integrity...something different about us.
The most exciting, fun kind of people because of what Christ has done in our lives.
Ephesians 4:22-24 – Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
New creations with a new abundant life. John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Not a ‘plodding along kind of life’ but life to its full capacity.
A life lived out that impacts the area where we live and are reaching out to as a church.
Here are some keys to living a ‘real life’, an abundant life that impacts the world around us.
God wants us to be ‘Whole’
Only God can make our lives whole, make us complete. When we allow him into our lives. John 5:6 – Do you want to be whole?
Are we ready for what comes with wholeness? Where attitudes need to be changed.
One small unresolved issue can hinder us from reaching our full potential. As we become whole we can help others and lift them to their full potential.
God wants us to be ‘Loyal’
He wants us to show loyalty. To be faithful and committed people in every area of our lives. Live life with family. John 15:13 - Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times
The strength of a good friend is unconditional love. Where we defend and honour one another. Where we believe in one another. We believe the atmosphere in our church is like that.
God wants us to have a ‘Merry Heart’
We need to have a hearty sense of humour. We can often take life far too seriously. Humour is one of life’s greatest medicines.
Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones
A house filled with laughter will be a healthy home, a healthy church. Church should be enjoyed and not endured. Christians should be the happiest people on the earth and probably the funniest!
Psalm 100:2 – Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs
Psalm 144:15 – Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.
The world is looking for reality. Look at all the reality TV shows around at the moment. People also looking to see reality in the church as well. They want to see us being real and normal. Throughout our whole lives and not just something we switch-on on a Sunday. A people of integrity...something different about us.
The most exciting, fun kind of people because of what Christ has done in our lives.
Ephesians 4:22-24 – Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
New creations with a new abundant life. John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Not a ‘plodding along kind of life’ but life to its full capacity.
A life lived out that impacts the area where we live and are reaching out to as a church.
Here are some keys to living a ‘real life’, an abundant life that impacts the world around us.
God wants us to be ‘Whole’
Only God can make our lives whole, make us complete. When we allow him into our lives. John 5:6 – Do you want to be whole?
Are we ready for what comes with wholeness? Where attitudes need to be changed.
One small unresolved issue can hinder us from reaching our full potential. As we become whole we can help others and lift them to their full potential.
God wants us to be ‘Loyal’
He wants us to show loyalty. To be faithful and committed people in every area of our lives. Live life with family. John 15:13 - Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times
The strength of a good friend is unconditional love. Where we defend and honour one another. Where we believe in one another. We believe the atmosphere in our church is like that.
God wants us to have a ‘Merry Heart’
We need to have a hearty sense of humour. We can often take life far too seriously. Humour is one of life’s greatest medicines.
Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones
A house filled with laughter will be a healthy home, a healthy church. Church should be enjoyed and not endured. Christians should be the happiest people on the earth and probably the funniest!
Psalm 100:2 – Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs
Psalm 144:15 – Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Partners
Simon Wood spoke a positive word this morning in church on ‘partnership’ – partnering with God and with each other...to see the church impacting our area.
John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing
When people hear the word ‘church’ we want people to think and see what church should be like, a place of hope, love and faith. A revelation of his glory...the church.
Psalm 16:11 - You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
We all have a role to play, connected to the ‘vine’, connected to each other to impact our world through ‘partnership’.
Let us bring hope to others as God works in us and through us. Let him change us to reflect his glory. He will make us fruitful as we remain connected to him.
Colossians 1:27 - To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory
Think of seeds. All plants have different ways to disperse their seeds. As we share the hope and good news with others our seeds might not stick, but other people’s seeds will.
As we grow and flourish people will see that and become connected themselves.
As we receive God’s word, his wisdom, this will empower us. We also need to partner with the Holy Spirit to receive his power and all the encouragement we need to get God’s will done…and to give us His word.
John 14:26 - But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you
Like God, we have a big heart for our world. As we have received his love, let us give that out to our world. Romans 5:5 - And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing
When people hear the word ‘church’ we want people to think and see what church should be like, a place of hope, love and faith. A revelation of his glory...the church.
Psalm 16:11 - You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
We all have a role to play, connected to the ‘vine’, connected to each other to impact our world through ‘partnership’.
Let us bring hope to others as God works in us and through us. Let him change us to reflect his glory. He will make us fruitful as we remain connected to him.
Colossians 1:27 - To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory
Think of seeds. All plants have different ways to disperse their seeds. As we share the hope and good news with others our seeds might not stick, but other people’s seeds will.
As we grow and flourish people will see that and become connected themselves.
As we receive God’s word, his wisdom, this will empower us. We also need to partner with the Holy Spirit to receive his power and all the encouragement we need to get God’s will done…and to give us His word.
John 14:26 - But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you
Like God, we have a big heart for our world. As we have received his love, let us give that out to our world. Romans 5:5 - And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
God Unlimited
Great time in church this morning. The place was busy with so many people and with a good number away on their summer hols! Paul Benger brought an excellent word entitled ‘God Unlimited’.
Isaiah 54:1-3 – (1) Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labour; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband, says the Lord. (2) Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. (3) For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.
Limitation is incredibly frustrating. We need to take the limits off of God in our lives. Our lives may feel limited at times - we can reach so high but no higher...so far but no further. It’s like living with a ‘limiter’ in our lives.
Serving God can be fun and prosperous. Don’t limit God. Never say ‘I will always be sick’ or ‘the church will never have influence’. Christian influence has led the way over the centuries. In medicine, caring, education, social justice.
God is saying, ‘don’t limit me’. How do we limit God? By not believing all that He said he would do.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Take the limits off!
Two trains of thought - that God is sovereign, that He is in control. Also that God has given us responsibility for our world. These two thoughts have battled against each other through time. God wants to partner with us in seeing his will being done, that is why we pray ‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done’.
Three promises from these verses in Isaiah 54 – the 3 E’s. God wants to...
Expand us – Our desire for the church is that we will grow, get bigger. That you will get bigger.
Empower us – power from His word for the whole week, the whole of the time.
Equip us – Equipped to live our lives.
1) You shall expand, Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
2) You will inherit, Isaiah 54:3 – We will inherit the nations
God is a rewarder. Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
God doesn’t gazump us! We don’t just receive back the measure we give...but more!
3) You will inhabit the desolate place. God is a restorer. He restores broken lives, dreams, destiny’s.
5 things (from Isaiah 54:1-3) that help us to take the limits off God.
1) Get a bigger plot
A bigger footprint! See a bigger future…buy some land! Enlarge the place of your tent (Vs 2) A time to rejoice, to see what God can do. Prophesy it! Change your thinking (Romans 12:2). Bigger people build a bigger world. You need a bigger plot, we (the church) needs a bigger plot!
2) Do more
Or do something! Stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back (Vs 2) Remember though our identity is in God, not what we do. But to bring the Kingdom of God into our world, to see His will being done, has an incredible amount to do with what we do.
3) Be generous
Spare not (Vs 2) – live with a generous attitude and spirit. Don’t limit God...i.e. don't be limited because we don’t have.
4) Build lasting relationships with the right people
Lengthen your chords (Vs 2) – Together we take the Kingdom forward. We change into the people we connect with. The power of fellowship.
5) Stay loyal to your commitments
Strengthen your stakes (Vs 2) – stay loyal to the people God has put you with. Need to stay connected.
Isaiah 54:1-3 – (1) Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labour; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband, says the Lord. (2) Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. (3) For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.
Limitation is incredibly frustrating. We need to take the limits off of God in our lives. Our lives may feel limited at times - we can reach so high but no higher...so far but no further. It’s like living with a ‘limiter’ in our lives.
Serving God can be fun and prosperous. Don’t limit God. Never say ‘I will always be sick’ or ‘the church will never have influence’. Christian influence has led the way over the centuries. In medicine, caring, education, social justice.
God is saying, ‘don’t limit me’. How do we limit God? By not believing all that He said he would do.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Take the limits off!
Two trains of thought - that God is sovereign, that He is in control. Also that God has given us responsibility for our world. These two thoughts have battled against each other through time. God wants to partner with us in seeing his will being done, that is why we pray ‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done’.
Three promises from these verses in Isaiah 54 – the 3 E’s. God wants to...
Expand us – Our desire for the church is that we will grow, get bigger. That you will get bigger.
Empower us – power from His word for the whole week, the whole of the time.
Equip us – Equipped to live our lives.
1) You shall expand, Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
2) You will inherit, Isaiah 54:3 – We will inherit the nations
God is a rewarder. Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
God doesn’t gazump us! We don’t just receive back the measure we give...but more!
3) You will inhabit the desolate place. God is a restorer. He restores broken lives, dreams, destiny’s.
5 things (from Isaiah 54:1-3) that help us to take the limits off God.
1) Get a bigger plot
A bigger footprint! See a bigger future…buy some land! Enlarge the place of your tent (Vs 2) A time to rejoice, to see what God can do. Prophesy it! Change your thinking (Romans 12:2). Bigger people build a bigger world. You need a bigger plot, we (the church) needs a bigger plot!
2) Do more
Or do something! Stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back (Vs 2) Remember though our identity is in God, not what we do. But to bring the Kingdom of God into our world, to see His will being done, has an incredible amount to do with what we do.
3) Be generous
Spare not (Vs 2) – live with a generous attitude and spirit. Don’t limit God...i.e. don't be limited because we don’t have.
4) Build lasting relationships with the right people
Lengthen your chords (Vs 2) – Together we take the Kingdom forward. We change into the people we connect with. The power of fellowship.
5) Stay loyal to your commitments
Strengthen your stakes (Vs 2) – stay loyal to the people God has put you with. Need to stay connected.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Destinations IV
We completed our Destinations series this morning in church. I spoke on ‘Don’t Walk Alone’.
Life is a journey, often travelled alone (living for self only). What is our chosen path?
Follow Christ – let him be our Lord and Guide. Make Him Lord of your life.
But it’s not just ‘me and Jesus’ as we travel along our chosen path...it is ‘you’ me and Jesus.
We can be in ‘community’ but it can still be just ‘me and Jesus’. Right from the beginning (Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for man to be alone) – this was God’s intention.
“… so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” (Romans 12:5)
This picture of the Body ruins any argument that the Christian life can be lived in isolation. God created you and I to live and grow within a community of Christians.
5 reasons why we don’t walk this road alone
1) I need others to walk with me
The Christian life is often described as a walk. This is because it has motion. It is not just an inactive status (inertia). It is an ongoing life. Growing, becoming more like Christ, changed from glory to glory.
Therefore Paul says in Colossians 2:6-7 - As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Three reasons why we need to carry out our Christian walk with others.
For safety – It is safer to walk with other people.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
For support - The shared life is not only safer it also has more support. Have you ever tried to do any serious exercise by yourself? Running partners are important. Helps us in our consistency and commitment to training. Find someone who will come alongside you to ask you hard questions about yourself, encourage you, and challenge you.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
It’s Smarter. Travelling together is also smarter.
Proverbs 11:14 - “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”
What is true for a nation is also true for us as individuals. If we are living life with other people, we can lean upon their advice and wisdom when needed.
Community is God’s answer to loneliness. He wants us to be connected with others.
2) I need others to work with me
Even before we were born God planned certain things he wanted you and me to do. This is what God designed us for. But he didn’t design us to work alone. “Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.”
“Every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:10
3) I need others to watch out for me
We each need people who will defend us, protect us, stand up for us, warn us when we’re getting off the right path. We need people who will watch out for us.
Philippians 2:4 – Look out for one another's interests, not just for your own
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Community is God’s answer to defeat
4) I need others to wait for me (and sometimes weep with me)
1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathise with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude
Every path has a puddle! We need one another when face those times in our lives
1 Corinthians 12:26 - If one member suffers, all suffer together
Paul says in Galatians 6:1, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
Community is God’s answer to despair
5) I need others to encourage me
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 – (11) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (12) Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. (13) Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (14) And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (15) Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else
Have you ever known someone who believed in you, someone who frequently spoke words of encouragement and praise? The kind of person who made you feel you could do it, whatever "it" was? That’s the kind of person God wants us to be.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29)
Community is God’s answer to discouragement
Hebrews 10:23-25 – (23) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (24) And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. (25) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Stick to the road you are on...no swerving allowed! But how are they to do this? How can they stay on track? Being committed to meeting together so that they can encourage one another.
Let us not walk alone.
Let’s travel together towards our destination - our great future in God.
Encourage/spur one another on!
Life is a journey, often travelled alone (living for self only). What is our chosen path?
Follow Christ – let him be our Lord and Guide. Make Him Lord of your life.
But it’s not just ‘me and Jesus’ as we travel along our chosen path...it is ‘you’ me and Jesus.
We can be in ‘community’ but it can still be just ‘me and Jesus’. Right from the beginning (Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for man to be alone) – this was God’s intention.
“… so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” (Romans 12:5)
This picture of the Body ruins any argument that the Christian life can be lived in isolation. God created you and I to live and grow within a community of Christians.
5 reasons why we don’t walk this road alone
1) I need others to walk with me
The Christian life is often described as a walk. This is because it has motion. It is not just an inactive status (inertia). It is an ongoing life. Growing, becoming more like Christ, changed from glory to glory.
Therefore Paul says in Colossians 2:6-7 - As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Three reasons why we need to carry out our Christian walk with others.
For safety – It is safer to walk with other people.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
For support - The shared life is not only safer it also has more support. Have you ever tried to do any serious exercise by yourself? Running partners are important. Helps us in our consistency and commitment to training. Find someone who will come alongside you to ask you hard questions about yourself, encourage you, and challenge you.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
It’s Smarter. Travelling together is also smarter.
Proverbs 11:14 - “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”
What is true for a nation is also true for us as individuals. If we are living life with other people, we can lean upon their advice and wisdom when needed.
Community is God’s answer to loneliness. He wants us to be connected with others.
2) I need others to work with me
Even before we were born God planned certain things he wanted you and me to do. This is what God designed us for. But he didn’t design us to work alone. “Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.”
“Every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:10
3) I need others to watch out for me
We each need people who will defend us, protect us, stand up for us, warn us when we’re getting off the right path. We need people who will watch out for us.
Philippians 2:4 – Look out for one another's interests, not just for your own
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Community is God’s answer to defeat
4) I need others to wait for me (and sometimes weep with me)
1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathise with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude
Every path has a puddle! We need one another when face those times in our lives
1 Corinthians 12:26 - If one member suffers, all suffer together
Paul says in Galatians 6:1, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
Community is God’s answer to despair
5) I need others to encourage me
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 – (11) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (12) Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. (13) Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (14) And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (15) Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else
Have you ever known someone who believed in you, someone who frequently spoke words of encouragement and praise? The kind of person who made you feel you could do it, whatever "it" was? That’s the kind of person God wants us to be.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29)
Community is God’s answer to discouragement
Hebrews 10:23-25 – (23) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (24) And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. (25) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Stick to the road you are on...no swerving allowed! But how are they to do this? How can they stay on track? Being committed to meeting together so that they can encourage one another.
Let us not walk alone.
Let’s travel together towards our destination - our great future in God.
Encourage/spur one another on!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Destinations III
We had the third in our ‘Destinations’ series this morning in church. Paul Benger brought a great message entitled ‘Lean Not’.
Proverbs 22:3, 27:12 – A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
The decisions that we make today are important in determining the direction that we go. Sometimes we need more than just good information to help us make the right choices. Sometimes we get the right information, good wisdom, and still choose not to heed it.
King Solomon was asked by God, ‘You can have one thing…what would you have me do for you?’ Solomon chose wisdom. 1 Kings 3:12 - I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be
What do we need to do more than anything, even more than just having good information?
Proverbs 3:5-7 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
1) Trust in the Lord with all your heart
In every area of life - leaning to God. It’s not just about having good information, your skills, your abilities. It’s about us putting all of our confidence and hope in the person of God. He knows everything past, present and future – he has all the information we will ever need.
2) Lean not on your own understanding
We don’t have all the answers - but God does. Lean into God. Your way isn’t always the best way. Read the manual, don’t trust in your own understanding. Submission to God helps us in life.
3) In all your ways acknowledge Him
Home, marriage, finances, career, relationships – every part of our lives.
4) He will make your paths straight
He will direct your paths. Submission comes before direction.
Live with submission. Even Solomon trusted his own wisdom and got it wrong. Information is not enough, we need a Saviour to submit to. Sometimes pride can override wisdom, if we are not careful. Arrogance will eventually overcome common sense. We need God, to submit to Him.
Concerning submission, 5 important things...
1) Make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life
2) Make time with God a daily pleasure
3) Keep a ‘God knows best’ attitude
4) Never believe the enemy’s lies about God and you
5) Surrender your circumstances to God and trust Him
The key to making a good decision = Submission
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
Proverbs 22:3, 27:12 – A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
The decisions that we make today are important in determining the direction that we go. Sometimes we need more than just good information to help us make the right choices. Sometimes we get the right information, good wisdom, and still choose not to heed it.
King Solomon was asked by God, ‘You can have one thing…what would you have me do for you?’ Solomon chose wisdom. 1 Kings 3:12 - I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be
What do we need to do more than anything, even more than just having good information?
Proverbs 3:5-7 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
1) Trust in the Lord with all your heart
In every area of life - leaning to God. It’s not just about having good information, your skills, your abilities. It’s about us putting all of our confidence and hope in the person of God. He knows everything past, present and future – he has all the information we will ever need.
2) Lean not on your own understanding
We don’t have all the answers - but God does. Lean into God. Your way isn’t always the best way. Read the manual, don’t trust in your own understanding. Submission to God helps us in life.
3) In all your ways acknowledge Him
Home, marriage, finances, career, relationships – every part of our lives.
4) He will make your paths straight
He will direct your paths. Submission comes before direction.
Live with submission. Even Solomon trusted his own wisdom and got it wrong. Information is not enough, we need a Saviour to submit to. Sometimes pride can override wisdom, if we are not careful. Arrogance will eventually overcome common sense. We need God, to submit to Him.
Concerning submission, 5 important things...
1) Make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life
2) Make time with God a daily pleasure
3) Keep a ‘God knows best’ attitude
4) Never believe the enemy’s lies about God and you
5) Surrender your circumstances to God and trust Him
The key to making a good decision = Submission
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Destinations II
Jeannie Benger continued our Destinations series this morning with an excellent message entitled ‘Looking Ahead’.
Have you ever ended up in the wrong place? Better planning before we leave for our destination is so important to avoid this.
Matthew 25:14-30
The key verse we are looking at is in verse 21, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’
It is important that we plan and look ahead when we think of our future. This is so true when it comes to God’s Kingdom that we plan and prepare for the future. Position yourself where God can take you there.
Always start something with the end in mind. We need to know where we are going. It will be great to end with God saying, ‘well done good and faithful servant’.
Don’t say ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ – tomorrow will not do! Use your time well with what time you have.
Is the path that you’re on going to take you where you want to go?
5 road signs what will help guide us in travelling the path that God wants us to travel...
Well – God wants us to finish well. Excellence is so important. God deserves the very best. It’s not ‘anything will do’ anymore. Our God is generous in every way and we are made in his image. Strive for excellence. It’s not just how we do it but it is about having an attitude of excellence. Being wholehearted. We want to be noted as a church that gives God the very best.
Done – Being fruitful is so important in where we are going. It is not an option. We are here to build the Kingdom of God, to impact our world.
Matthew 7:16-17 - By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
We want to encourage fruitfulness, fruit that the world will see and say, ‘I want what they’ve got’.
Good – Character is so important. Make sure you’re not in a position where your character cannot keep you. Be trustworthy, love people, honour people.
Faithful – Be loyal in your relationships. Friendships, marriage, church and with God. Be planted in God’s house where you will flourish. It is important that we are together. Loyalty and faithfulness is the very essence of God’s character. His love for us never changes. Loyalty and faithfulness are great qualities for us to cultivate in our lives. Proverbs 19:22 - Loyalty makes a person attractive
Servant – We need to have the heart of a servant. It is a privilege to serve. Serve the Lord with gladness – Psalm 100:6
1 Timothy 6:18 - Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share
Don’t do things grudgingly. Love God’s house. Serve out of a spirit of gladness.
Servanthood is central to our biblical lifestyle. It is all about attitude and not about position. Jesus placed high value on servanthood. He washed the disciple’s feet. Just like Jesus – seize the moment to serve. It is not about position but about passion. Passion for others, to serve, to bless, to lift the lives of others. Service is worship and not a chore.
Follow the road signs and reach your God given destination!
Have you ever ended up in the wrong place? Better planning before we leave for our destination is so important to avoid this.
Matthew 25:14-30
The key verse we are looking at is in verse 21, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’
It is important that we plan and look ahead when we think of our future. This is so true when it comes to God’s Kingdom that we plan and prepare for the future. Position yourself where God can take you there.
Always start something with the end in mind. We need to know where we are going. It will be great to end with God saying, ‘well done good and faithful servant’.
Don’t say ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ – tomorrow will not do! Use your time well with what time you have.
Is the path that you’re on going to take you where you want to go?
5 road signs what will help guide us in travelling the path that God wants us to travel...
Well – God wants us to finish well. Excellence is so important. God deserves the very best. It’s not ‘anything will do’ anymore. Our God is generous in every way and we are made in his image. Strive for excellence. It’s not just how we do it but it is about having an attitude of excellence. Being wholehearted. We want to be noted as a church that gives God the very best.
Done – Being fruitful is so important in where we are going. It is not an option. We are here to build the Kingdom of God, to impact our world.
Matthew 7:16-17 - By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
We want to encourage fruitfulness, fruit that the world will see and say, ‘I want what they’ve got’.
Good – Character is so important. Make sure you’re not in a position where your character cannot keep you. Be trustworthy, love people, honour people.
Faithful – Be loyal in your relationships. Friendships, marriage, church and with God. Be planted in God’s house where you will flourish. It is important that we are together. Loyalty and faithfulness is the very essence of God’s character. His love for us never changes. Loyalty and faithfulness are great qualities for us to cultivate in our lives. Proverbs 19:22 - Loyalty makes a person attractive
Servant – We need to have the heart of a servant. It is a privilege to serve. Serve the Lord with gladness – Psalm 100:6
1 Timothy 6:18 - Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share
Don’t do things grudgingly. Love God’s house. Serve out of a spirit of gladness.
Servanthood is central to our biblical lifestyle. It is all about attitude and not about position. Jesus placed high value on servanthood. He washed the disciple’s feet. Just like Jesus – seize the moment to serve. It is not about position but about passion. Passion for others, to serve, to bless, to lift the lives of others. Service is worship and not a chore.
Follow the road signs and reach your God given destination!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Destinations I
We kicked of our new four part series this morning called ‘Destinations’. Paul Benger began with a great opener, ‘The Principle of the Path’.
People don’t get lost on purpose. They don’t set out to get lost in life. Everybody sets out for good. You don’t know you’re lost when you’re getting lost.
Whatever road you’re on determines where you end up. Our path determines our destination. This principle applies geographically but also in life.
It is never our intention or even our dreams that determines our destination. Our good intentions do not trump our chosen direction. Broken lives would not have happened had different paths been chosen or they had changed the direction they were going.
Proverbs 7:6-27
The young man chose the wrong path, the path that led to destruction.
Three thoughts about the Principle of the Path
1) Watch out for the disconnection that our culture feeds us
It is the path we choose, not our hopes and dreams or good intentions, that determine our destination. We may need to change the path we are on.
Choose a path of generosity, God is pleased with us when we choose certain paths.
Choose the path of spiritual growth. Choose to put God first in all that we do.
Choose the path of changing our world, not global, but our world is all those around us - our families, friends, workplace, school.
Choose paths of forgiveness, of integrity. All these paths lead to greatness.
Let us make the connection...don’t be disconnected.
2) Make sure our hearts are fixed and steadfast
Don’t get drawn away, enticed away to a path of destruction (like the young man in the Proverb)
King David chose a wrong path and was heading for destruction. This was his cry to get back on the right path again, Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me
Give me a steadfast, fixed spirit. An attitude that is not going to waver. Don’t get tossed back and forth by the winds and waves. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Even when others come and try to blow us off course - remain steadfast. David also experienced this.
Psalm 57:6-7 – They spread a net for my feet - I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path - but they have fallen into it themselves. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
3) We need to remember the principle of the path – that it is the direction not our intention that determines our destination
Is this the right path we are on? Let us make sure we are on God’s right path for our lives. Heading in the direction he wants us to go.
People don’t get lost on purpose. They don’t set out to get lost in life. Everybody sets out for good. You don’t know you’re lost when you’re getting lost.
Whatever road you’re on determines where you end up. Our path determines our destination. This principle applies geographically but also in life.
It is never our intention or even our dreams that determines our destination. Our good intentions do not trump our chosen direction. Broken lives would not have happened had different paths been chosen or they had changed the direction they were going.
Proverbs 7:6-27
The young man chose the wrong path, the path that led to destruction.
Three thoughts about the Principle of the Path
1) Watch out for the disconnection that our culture feeds us
It is the path we choose, not our hopes and dreams or good intentions, that determine our destination. We may need to change the path we are on.
Choose a path of generosity, God is pleased with us when we choose certain paths.
Choose the path of spiritual growth. Choose to put God first in all that we do.
Choose the path of changing our world, not global, but our world is all those around us - our families, friends, workplace, school.
Choose paths of forgiveness, of integrity. All these paths lead to greatness.
Let us make the connection...don’t be disconnected.
2) Make sure our hearts are fixed and steadfast
Don’t get drawn away, enticed away to a path of destruction (like the young man in the Proverb)
King David chose a wrong path and was heading for destruction. This was his cry to get back on the right path again, Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me
Give me a steadfast, fixed spirit. An attitude that is not going to waver. Don’t get tossed back and forth by the winds and waves. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Even when others come and try to blow us off course - remain steadfast. David also experienced this.
Psalm 57:6-7 – They spread a net for my feet - I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path - but they have fallen into it themselves. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
3) We need to remember the principle of the path – that it is the direction not our intention that determines our destination
Is this the right path we are on? Let us make sure we are on God’s right path for our lives. Heading in the direction he wants us to go.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Good Times Bad Times
Mark Wilkins spoke in church today. A message that encouraged us to remember God’s faithfulness and his great plan and destiny for all of us amidst the ebb and flow of life.
We know that life can be good but at times not so good. God wants the very best for us. God is good and life is good and yet we live in a ‘fallen world’.
Ephesians 1:11 – Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
He has a plan for each of us, to achieve all that we can in him.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
We each have a destiny but we also experience the ebb and flow of life. We face the experiences of a fallen world and we can find ourselves in ‘down’ times. The danger is that we can end up staying there in those places of despair, even when these times should only last for a season.
Remember that God is with us and wants to bring us out of those places, he doesn’t want us to stay there. In the mourning and down time experiences.
Two characters in the Bible that illustrates this truth.
Joseph - There were times in Joseph’s life where he should have experienced incredible despair. The most favoured of sons, God had a great plan and purpose for his life. His brothers, out of jealousy, plotted against him and sold him into slavery.
Amidst all of this he could have fallen into despair feeling that God had left him and began to wonder whether or not his vision for his future would ever come to pass.
Wondering whether or not he would ever fulfil God’s plan for his life.
Joseph’s attitude was always good and positive. He became a ‘great’ servant in Egypt serving Potiphar well. Even after ending up in prison because of Potiphar’s wife’s accusations he still remained faithful to God’s calling upon his life, using the gifts that God had given him in his ‘down’ time experiences.
He did become ruler of Egypt and his family came back to him and bowed down before him. He fulfilled his destiny.
Let us stay faithful to God with what God has given us and called us to do, even amidst troubled times. God is still able to use us and lift us out of despair and take us to where he wants us to go.
Nehemiah – Also had a God given purpose. To rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There were no dreams or striking visions…God just laid this calling upon his heart. He had to approach the King and share his sadness at the state of the walls. God began to work in the situation and Nehemiah received the support of the authorities.
He went down to the walls and saw the daunting task before him. But God was with him.
He was mocked and plotted against by the people against the rebuilding. Nehemiah kept praying and seeking God. God answered and frustrated the plotters. Even the workforce began to experience difficulties of poverty and famine.
Throughout this time Nehemiah could have question his calling. Had he got it wrong? But he overcame the doubts and kept pressing on.
Never lose sight of your objective, what God has given you.
2 Corinthians 11:23-27
The Apostle Paul also saw incredible tribulations. But he had a sight of the goal, and to keep serving God.
He wrote the book of Ephesians...an incredibly uplifting book...from prison! He knew that God was with him as he served God’s purposes.
He had his eyes set on the end, even amidst hardship.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 – (6) As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (8) And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
We know that life can be good but at times not so good. God wants the very best for us. God is good and life is good and yet we live in a ‘fallen world’.
Ephesians 1:11 – Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
He has a plan for each of us, to achieve all that we can in him.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
We each have a destiny but we also experience the ebb and flow of life. We face the experiences of a fallen world and we can find ourselves in ‘down’ times. The danger is that we can end up staying there in those places of despair, even when these times should only last for a season.
Remember that God is with us and wants to bring us out of those places, he doesn’t want us to stay there. In the mourning and down time experiences.
Two characters in the Bible that illustrates this truth.
Joseph - There were times in Joseph’s life where he should have experienced incredible despair. The most favoured of sons, God had a great plan and purpose for his life. His brothers, out of jealousy, plotted against him and sold him into slavery.
Amidst all of this he could have fallen into despair feeling that God had left him and began to wonder whether or not his vision for his future would ever come to pass.
Wondering whether or not he would ever fulfil God’s plan for his life.
Joseph’s attitude was always good and positive. He became a ‘great’ servant in Egypt serving Potiphar well. Even after ending up in prison because of Potiphar’s wife’s accusations he still remained faithful to God’s calling upon his life, using the gifts that God had given him in his ‘down’ time experiences.
He did become ruler of Egypt and his family came back to him and bowed down before him. He fulfilled his destiny.
Let us stay faithful to God with what God has given us and called us to do, even amidst troubled times. God is still able to use us and lift us out of despair and take us to where he wants us to go.
Nehemiah – Also had a God given purpose. To rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There were no dreams or striking visions…God just laid this calling upon his heart. He had to approach the King and share his sadness at the state of the walls. God began to work in the situation and Nehemiah received the support of the authorities.
He went down to the walls and saw the daunting task before him. But God was with him.
He was mocked and plotted against by the people against the rebuilding. Nehemiah kept praying and seeking God. God answered and frustrated the plotters. Even the workforce began to experience difficulties of poverty and famine.
Throughout this time Nehemiah could have question his calling. Had he got it wrong? But he overcame the doubts and kept pressing on.
Never lose sight of your objective, what God has given you.
2 Corinthians 11:23-27
The Apostle Paul also saw incredible tribulations. But he had a sight of the goal, and to keep serving God.
He wrote the book of Ephesians...an incredibly uplifting book...from prison! He knew that God was with him as he served God’s purposes.
He had his eyes set on the end, even amidst hardship.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 – (6) As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (8) And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
A People of the Word
Great time in church today, Paul Benger completed an excellent two part series on faith with ‘A People of the Word’. (Podcast available)
Without faith it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
Faith is the only currency of Heaven. With heaven we only trade with ‘faith’. Faith is believing what God has said and living from that place where God is for us and wants us to do well.
Ever found yourself arguing with the ‘Sat-Nav’? Thinking you know a better way.
Sometimes we can find ourselves arguing with God believing we know the way to go, the way to live our lives. God knows best! It is a foolish thing to do...to switch off God in our lives.
Proverbs 14:12 – There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death
God is not a killjoy. He knows the end from the beginning. Isaiah 46:10 – I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
Trust God that he knows best for your life. Don’t live in the James Brown zone, it must be all right because ‘I feel good’. God wants to lead us and direct our paths away from destruction.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
His word will lead us to the best life, the best experiences.
4 requirements for being a people of God’s word...
1) Allow God’s word to speak the loudest
We need to decide who is going to have the loudest voice in our lives. Whoever is speaking the loudest is going to direct us.
Psalm 119:11 – I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you
We are hearing all kinds of messages, many voices in the media. They are becoming louder and clearer. Some good, some not so good. Let God’s word be the loudest voice in our lives.
2) Know that God has your best interests in mind
God is always for us, wanting to lift our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
3) Know that God’s word will produce fruit
In an ‘instant minded world’ it is important for us to understand the sowing and reaping principle.
Isaiah 55:10-11 – As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
When we act upon God’s word after hearing it, receiving it and believing it, we will produce fruit. Sometimes we also need to take a stand, not to give up, to be belligerent, defiant, obstreperous!
4) Trust that God knows best
On our journey in life let God show us the right direction to go...He knows best!
Without faith it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
Faith is the only currency of Heaven. With heaven we only trade with ‘faith’. Faith is believing what God has said and living from that place where God is for us and wants us to do well.
Ever found yourself arguing with the ‘Sat-Nav’? Thinking you know a better way.
Sometimes we can find ourselves arguing with God believing we know the way to go, the way to live our lives. God knows best! It is a foolish thing to do...to switch off God in our lives.
Proverbs 14:12 – There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death
God is not a killjoy. He knows the end from the beginning. Isaiah 46:10 – I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
Trust God that he knows best for your life. Don’t live in the James Brown zone, it must be all right because ‘I feel good’. God wants to lead us and direct our paths away from destruction.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
His word will lead us to the best life, the best experiences.
4 requirements for being a people of God’s word...
1) Allow God’s word to speak the loudest
We need to decide who is going to have the loudest voice in our lives. Whoever is speaking the loudest is going to direct us.
Psalm 119:11 – I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you
We are hearing all kinds of messages, many voices in the media. They are becoming louder and clearer. Some good, some not so good. Let God’s word be the loudest voice in our lives.
2) Know that God has your best interests in mind
God is always for us, wanting to lift our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
3) Know that God’s word will produce fruit
In an ‘instant minded world’ it is important for us to understand the sowing and reaping principle.
Isaiah 55:10-11 – As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
When we act upon God’s word after hearing it, receiving it and believing it, we will produce fruit. Sometimes we also need to take a stand, not to give up, to be belligerent, defiant, obstreperous!
4) Trust that God knows best
On our journey in life let God show us the right direction to go...He knows best!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The Power of God's Word
Paul Benger began a two part series this morning on ‘faith’...the Power of God’s Word. (Podcasts now available)
Without faith it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
So many people have misconceptions about God, but...
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God - Romans 10:17
Faith is believing what God has said. We hear God’s word, we receive God’s word, we believe God’s word and we do it!
Four things concerning the ‘power of God’s word’...
God’s Word is Creative
New things are born when God speaks. God will speak into your life and create new things.
2 Peter 3:5 – long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water
“One word from God can change your life forever”
God’s word creates vision. He causes us to see into our future and believe the things we have only dreamed of.
Character is created when we hear the word of God. Micah 6:8 - He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God
God’s Word Sustains
His word will help you keep going when nothing seems to be happening.
Hebrews 1:3 - The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
God’s Word Saves Us
We need to learn to trust God...or we may find ourselves trusting other things or other people.
James 1:21-22 - Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
His word is wisdom for life. He gives us a great life!
Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful
God’s Word is our weapon against the enemy
Take a stand against the negative words that God has not spoken.
Ephesians 6:17 – Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
His word is our weapon when we ‘know’ what God has said. ‘I know that He loves me!’
How do I hear the Word of God?
- Jesus – the clearest expression of what God has said. Jesus is God’s ‘word’ to us.
- Read scripture
- Meditate on scripture
- Keep turning up – eventually we will get it! Stay around people of faith, be in church.
- Keep an open heart and humble spirit
Without faith it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
So many people have misconceptions about God, but...
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God - Romans 10:17
Faith is believing what God has said. We hear God’s word, we receive God’s word, we believe God’s word and we do it!
Four things concerning the ‘power of God’s word’...
God’s Word is Creative
New things are born when God speaks. God will speak into your life and create new things.
2 Peter 3:5 – long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water
“One word from God can change your life forever”
God’s word creates vision. He causes us to see into our future and believe the things we have only dreamed of.
Character is created when we hear the word of God. Micah 6:8 - He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God
God’s Word Sustains
His word will help you keep going when nothing seems to be happening.
Hebrews 1:3 - The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
God’s Word Saves Us
We need to learn to trust God...or we may find ourselves trusting other things or other people.
James 1:21-22 - Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
His word is wisdom for life. He gives us a great life!
Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful
God’s Word is our weapon against the enemy
Take a stand against the negative words that God has not spoken.
Ephesians 6:17 – Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
His word is our weapon when we ‘know’ what God has said. ‘I know that He loves me!’
How do I hear the Word of God?
- Jesus – the clearest expression of what God has said. Jesus is God’s ‘word’ to us.
- Read scripture
- Meditate on scripture
- Keep turning up – eventually we will get it! Stay around people of faith, be in church.
- Keep an open heart and humble spirit
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Fulfilling Our Destiny
Great time in church today. Simon Wood shared another encouraging message concerning God’s plan for our lives.
We were reminded last week about laying hold of our dreams again. ‘We are ordinary people with extraordinary plans!’ God has a ‘big plan’ for all of us.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us
Think big! ‘They say your eyes are bigger than your stomach…they ought to be! Your ability to see your future should be greater than your ability to accomplish it.’ (Dave Gilpin, Hope City Church, Sheffield)
Think bigger, aim higher. We are born for a purpose, for a destiny. Let God guide you, let him determine your steps and lead you into a great future. Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps
Submit your plans to him. Let his wisdom guide us. Use Godly wisdom. This will build us up and build the House up. His wisdom takes us down Godly paths.
Proverbs 2
Live by his word. Don’t live by other words, the kind of words that may have been spoken over our lives in the past…negative, discouraging, destructive criticism.
God wants the very best for us. Matthew 7:11 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
God doesn’t want us weighed down with a heavy rock! He’s got good things for us to empower our lives.
Treasure God’s word. Our ‘treasure map’ is God’s word. It reveals truth and directs us towards great things.
Lean towards His word. Wherever you lean you will fall towards. If you lean towards the negative that is where you will fall. If we lean towards God and His word we will find truth and strength. Be careful what you listen to. Meditate on good things.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things
Sometimes we need selective deafness (not just the husbands!)
Rate what you hear. Don’t rate things too high, that should be much lower on our scale. The reverse of that is to make sure that the important things we hear are not low down on our scale when they should be at the top.
We were reminded last week about laying hold of our dreams again. ‘We are ordinary people with extraordinary plans!’ God has a ‘big plan’ for all of us.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us
Think big! ‘They say your eyes are bigger than your stomach…they ought to be! Your ability to see your future should be greater than your ability to accomplish it.’ (Dave Gilpin, Hope City Church, Sheffield)
Think bigger, aim higher. We are born for a purpose, for a destiny. Let God guide you, let him determine your steps and lead you into a great future. Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps
Submit your plans to him. Let his wisdom guide us. Use Godly wisdom. This will build us up and build the House up. His wisdom takes us down Godly paths.
Proverbs 2
Live by his word. Don’t live by other words, the kind of words that may have been spoken over our lives in the past…negative, discouraging, destructive criticism.
God wants the very best for us. Matthew 7:11 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
God doesn’t want us weighed down with a heavy rock! He’s got good things for us to empower our lives.
Treasure God’s word. Our ‘treasure map’ is God’s word. It reveals truth and directs us towards great things.
Lean towards His word. Wherever you lean you will fall towards. If you lean towards the negative that is where you will fall. If we lean towards God and His word we will find truth and strength. Be careful what you listen to. Meditate on good things.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things
Sometimes we need selective deafness (not just the husbands!)
Rate what you hear. Don’t rate things too high, that should be much lower on our scale. The reverse of that is to make sure that the important things we hear are not low down on our scale when they should be at the top.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Dreams
Jeannie Benger spoke an inspiring message this morning in church concerning our God given dreams.
‘Never let your dream become a whisper’ (Gladiator)
God wants us to have big dreams and to see those dreams become reality...and it is God who gives us those dreams and desires.
Dreamers change things – things don’t change them.
Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart
Desire is not passive...it doesn’t wait for things to happen. It gets us rolling our sleeves up and getting things done, not just allowing others to do all the work.
If we expect nothing, nothing is what we will get. We may even find ourselves just doing what is necessary – ‘just enough’ people. God doesn’t want us to be like that.
Acts 2:17 – 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams’
We all have dreams. God wants us to have ‘God dreams’, where the reality of those dreams becomes our focus.
Let us have a willing heart, choosing to follow him...to let God lead us into seeing our dreams come to pass. Pursue Him and the ‘cause’ he has given you.
A dream will often require patience, where ‘anticipation’ begins to grow inside of us.
As our dreams mature so do we.
God’s timing is perfect. Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
He prepares the way...always working behind the scenes even when we don’t always realise this.
Look and see what God is doing. He has given us a great ‘destiny’. Destiny = the predetermined events of a persons life. Destiny is positive, and you have an active role to play.
God wants you to look at where you are today and to also see the future.
Be sensitive – listen for God, listen for the ‘now’ word. Let him speak to you – through the influence of others, preaching, word – but also let him speak to you directly.
He has great plans for each of us and for us as a church. Let us not be passive though, faith requires action from all of us.
Be willing to dream...to dream God dreams and to see things happen. Looking beyond where we are today.
‘Never let your dream become a whisper’ (Gladiator)
God wants us to have big dreams and to see those dreams become reality...and it is God who gives us those dreams and desires.
Dreamers change things – things don’t change them.
Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart
Desire is not passive...it doesn’t wait for things to happen. It gets us rolling our sleeves up and getting things done, not just allowing others to do all the work.
If we expect nothing, nothing is what we will get. We may even find ourselves just doing what is necessary – ‘just enough’ people. God doesn’t want us to be like that.
Acts 2:17 – 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams’
We all have dreams. God wants us to have ‘God dreams’, where the reality of those dreams becomes our focus.
Let us have a willing heart, choosing to follow him...to let God lead us into seeing our dreams come to pass. Pursue Him and the ‘cause’ he has given you.
A dream will often require patience, where ‘anticipation’ begins to grow inside of us.
As our dreams mature so do we.
God’s timing is perfect. Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
He prepares the way...always working behind the scenes even when we don’t always realise this.
Look and see what God is doing. He has given us a great ‘destiny’. Destiny = the predetermined events of a persons life. Destiny is positive, and you have an active role to play.
God wants you to look at where you are today and to also see the future.
Be sensitive – listen for God, listen for the ‘now’ word. Let him speak to you – through the influence of others, preaching, word – but also let him speak to you directly.
He has great plans for each of us and for us as a church. Let us not be passive though, faith requires action from all of us.
Be willing to dream...to dream God dreams and to see things happen. Looking beyond where we are today.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Connect
Excellent time in church this morning. Paul Benger brought a great message about ‘connecting’ as we approach our new season for our Connect Groups in church.
God gives us connections in our lives that guide us…guiding lights. We can also have the wrong guiding lights in our lives. If we don’t have the right connections in life we don’t have the power we need.
Ezekiel 37:1-10
Verse 5 - This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.
In a world of greater connection through advancement in communication technology’ (email, text etc) incredibly there is much disconnection in our world. The need to connect is essential in our world. We were created for interaction.
Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble
Genesis 2:18 – And the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him."
Hebrews 10:25 – And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
John 17:20-21 – (20) My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, (21) that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
The more ONE we become the more BREATH we will receive.
Purpose of Connection
1) Fellowship
It’s about sharing life together. Fellowship is something that is happening all of the time. Fellowship happens around Christ. Fellowship is also with one another. We become one, we become connected. Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.
Three important factors of fellowship...
Accept people
Don’t just tolerate people. Even though we are all different God is still building us together. Romans 15:7 – So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified
Put people at ease
Choose your words wisely.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 - So comfort and encourage each other with these words.
Put faith in people’s hearts
Inject courage, don’t suck it out of people i.e. discourage.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
2) Fruitfulness
Ephesians 2:20-22 - Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
We only become fruitful when we have the right connections. The power of synergy, of coming together - this results in fruitfulness.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – (24) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (25) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
It is important that we are ‘assembled’ and not just gathered. The bones in Ezekiel 37 were first gathered but it was when they were assembled that they became fruitful and an army again! This is our destiny as we do life together.
3) Faith
The overriding attitude and spirit within our Church and our Connect groups should be one of faith and hope. Not to have a false environment, something that is unreal. But a genuine place of recognising the needs of people, where comfort and strength comes in the form of faith and belief.
Our Connect groups will have that culture of faith and hope. A place where faith is injected into people.
4) Fuel
Our Connect groups have the ‘F’ plan where we see: Fun, Fellowship, Food and Fuel. Fuel is where we see the input of God’s word into our lives. We need the right kind of ‘fuel’ feeding us, stirring us and driving us forward in God.
God gives us connections in our lives that guide us…guiding lights. We can also have the wrong guiding lights in our lives. If we don’t have the right connections in life we don’t have the power we need.
Ezekiel 37:1-10
Verse 5 - This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.
In a world of greater connection through advancement in communication technology’ (email, text etc) incredibly there is much disconnection in our world. The need to connect is essential in our world. We were created for interaction.
Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble
Genesis 2:18 – And the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him."
Hebrews 10:25 – And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
John 17:20-21 – (20) My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, (21) that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
The more ONE we become the more BREATH we will receive.
Purpose of Connection
1) Fellowship
It’s about sharing life together. Fellowship is something that is happening all of the time. Fellowship happens around Christ. Fellowship is also with one another. We become one, we become connected. Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.
Three important factors of fellowship...
Accept people
Don’t just tolerate people. Even though we are all different God is still building us together. Romans 15:7 – So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified
Put people at ease
Choose your words wisely.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 - So comfort and encourage each other with these words.
Put faith in people’s hearts
Inject courage, don’t suck it out of people i.e. discourage.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
2) Fruitfulness
Ephesians 2:20-22 - Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
We only become fruitful when we have the right connections. The power of synergy, of coming together - this results in fruitfulness.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – (24) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (25) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
It is important that we are ‘assembled’ and not just gathered. The bones in Ezekiel 37 were first gathered but it was when they were assembled that they became fruitful and an army again! This is our destiny as we do life together.
3) Faith
The overriding attitude and spirit within our Church and our Connect groups should be one of faith and hope. Not to have a false environment, something that is unreal. But a genuine place of recognising the needs of people, where comfort and strength comes in the form of faith and belief.
Our Connect groups will have that culture of faith and hope. A place where faith is injected into people.
4) Fuel
Our Connect groups have the ‘F’ plan where we see: Fun, Fellowship, Food and Fuel. Fuel is where we see the input of God’s word into our lives. We need the right kind of ‘fuel’ feeding us, stirring us and driving us forward in God.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Keep Moving Forward
Paul Benger brought an important message for us this morning in church as he shared his heart concerning momentum and the need to ‘keep moving forward’.
Exodus 14:5-25
The children of Israel had momentum as they fled from Egypt (Egypt means a place of containment) We have some momentum at the moment in church. Momentum is the church’s best friend. Sometimes we don’t always see what God is doing when we are busy doing the day to day stuff. But He is fulfilling his promises.
(Vs 13-15) - But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!
Don’t be afraid, God will fight for us. Even when we are publicly strong, like Moses privately we can be in anguish. God is saying ‘get up and keep on moving!’
There could be things in our lives that we are praying about but God is saying ‘Get moving’.
Two types of miracles...Wilderness miracles – supernatural, manna from heaven, God breaks in and does incredible things. Out of seemingly nowhere food comes, clothing, finances etc. But then there are also Promised Land miracles – they had to plant the seeds, produce the crops for themselves. In their obedience to God they made things happen.
Both are miracles, don’t despise one at the expense of the other. God uses our creativity, our energies and talents to get his will done.
Deuteronomy 8
Tips on how to keep moving forward...
1) Don’t say it was better back then
(Vs 11-12) and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”
What a mentality! When momentum came at the first hurdle they began to complain. They allowed their past to cloud the present, and to hold them back. Egypt was like the bungee elastic, trying to snap them back when they began to push forward.
We should thank God for our history, where He has bought us from, but we need to be bungee free! ‘It was great back then, but the best is yet to come!’
2) Use what you have in your hand
(Vs 15-16) – Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground
Too many Christians say, ‘one day, in time God will give me a gift’. But by waiting for that ‘one day’ they never do anything. Use what God has given you today. ‘What you have is what you have!’ Find out what is in your hand and use it. Be fruitful now, follow Jesus now.
3) Keep your focus upon God and not the problem or the enemy
(Vs 13-14) - But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
Our tendency is to hit the panic button. God will take care of the enemy.
(Vs 25) - He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. “Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the Egyptians shouted. “The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!”
We need to keep our focus on God. The church loses momentum if the focus becomes the problem or the enemy.
4) Prophesy the future
Talk up the future. Be bold before the people and before God. Keep speaking about the future, what we are about to see happen, in our lives and in the life of the church. Proverbs 18:21 - The tongue can bring death or life
‘Keep Moving Forward’
Exodus 14:5-25
The children of Israel had momentum as they fled from Egypt (Egypt means a place of containment) We have some momentum at the moment in church. Momentum is the church’s best friend. Sometimes we don’t always see what God is doing when we are busy doing the day to day stuff. But He is fulfilling his promises.
(Vs 13-15) - But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!
Don’t be afraid, God will fight for us. Even when we are publicly strong, like Moses privately we can be in anguish. God is saying ‘get up and keep on moving!’
There could be things in our lives that we are praying about but God is saying ‘Get moving’.
Two types of miracles...Wilderness miracles – supernatural, manna from heaven, God breaks in and does incredible things. Out of seemingly nowhere food comes, clothing, finances etc. But then there are also Promised Land miracles – they had to plant the seeds, produce the crops for themselves. In their obedience to God they made things happen.
Both are miracles, don’t despise one at the expense of the other. God uses our creativity, our energies and talents to get his will done.
Deuteronomy 8
Tips on how to keep moving forward...
1) Don’t say it was better back then
(Vs 11-12) and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”
What a mentality! When momentum came at the first hurdle they began to complain. They allowed their past to cloud the present, and to hold them back. Egypt was like the bungee elastic, trying to snap them back when they began to push forward.
We should thank God for our history, where He has bought us from, but we need to be bungee free! ‘It was great back then, but the best is yet to come!’
2) Use what you have in your hand
(Vs 15-16) – Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground
Too many Christians say, ‘one day, in time God will give me a gift’. But by waiting for that ‘one day’ they never do anything. Use what God has given you today. ‘What you have is what you have!’ Find out what is in your hand and use it. Be fruitful now, follow Jesus now.
3) Keep your focus upon God and not the problem or the enemy
(Vs 13-14) - But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
Our tendency is to hit the panic button. God will take care of the enemy.
(Vs 25) - He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. “Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the Egyptians shouted. “The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!”
We need to keep our focus on God. The church loses momentum if the focus becomes the problem or the enemy.
4) Prophesy the future
Talk up the future. Be bold before the people and before God. Keep speaking about the future, what we are about to see happen, in our lives and in the life of the church. Proverbs 18:21 - The tongue can bring death or life
‘Keep Moving Forward’
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Retro: Back to Basics IV
Paul Benger completed our series this morning in Church. An excellent message on the fact that we have been ‘sent to tell others’
Luke 14:15-24
From this passage, what is God telling us?
He wants people to enjoy what he has prepared for them
In the midst of a fallen world God has prepared a feast, a banquet. For the people in your street...it’s called the Kingdom of God, the touch of heaven.
He wants a ‘full house’
We need to get this into our thinking, God wants a full house. He is calling people home.
What does God want us to do?
Compel them to come
Urge them to come.
Find a ‘Yes’
Jesus taught his disciples, ‘go into every town’ and find a ‘yes’.
Fish
Matthew 4:18-20 – As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him
Followers fish.
At the bookends of Jesus’ ministry...’I will make you fishers of men’ and ‘Go into all the world…’
Lessons from fishing...
Fishermen go where the fish are
Remember to find a ‘yes’!
Fishermen are eternal optimists
Don’t be put off when you have prayed for people and they have not yet become a Christian.
Fishermen are not patient but they are persistent
Keep casting...God says I’ll catch, you keep on casting.
Fishermen know the value of different baits
Take every different opportunity to tell others.
Fishermen love to tell stories
What stories can we tell the people in our world about what God has done and is doing in our lives.
Serious fishermen use guides
Let the Holy Spirit guide you.
Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
What is our Goal? To be fishers of men...not catchers - let God do that.
1 Corinthians 3:5-8 - (5) What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe— as the Lord has assigned to each his task (6) I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. (7) So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (8) The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labour.
How can “I” do that? ‘I’m shy’.
1) Pray – ask God to help you, lead and guide you.
2) Tell your story – that’s your ‘cast’
3) Show the love of God for other people, tell them that God loves them, include them.
4) Show the love of God for one another – ‘so that the world will know’
John 13:34-35 – A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another
Luke 14:15-24
From this passage, what is God telling us?
He wants people to enjoy what he has prepared for them
In the midst of a fallen world God has prepared a feast, a banquet. For the people in your street...it’s called the Kingdom of God, the touch of heaven.
He wants a ‘full house’
We need to get this into our thinking, God wants a full house. He is calling people home.
What does God want us to do?
Compel them to come
Urge them to come.
Find a ‘Yes’
Jesus taught his disciples, ‘go into every town’ and find a ‘yes’.
Fish
Matthew 4:18-20 – As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him
Followers fish.
At the bookends of Jesus’ ministry...’I will make you fishers of men’ and ‘Go into all the world…’
Lessons from fishing...
Fishermen go where the fish are
Remember to find a ‘yes’!
Fishermen are eternal optimists
Don’t be put off when you have prayed for people and they have not yet become a Christian.
Fishermen are not patient but they are persistent
Keep casting...God says I’ll catch, you keep on casting.
Fishermen know the value of different baits
Take every different opportunity to tell others.
Fishermen love to tell stories
What stories can we tell the people in our world about what God has done and is doing in our lives.
Serious fishermen use guides
Let the Holy Spirit guide you.
Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
What is our Goal? To be fishers of men...not catchers - let God do that.
1 Corinthians 3:5-8 - (5) What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe— as the Lord has assigned to each his task (6) I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. (7) So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (8) The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labour.
How can “I” do that? ‘I’m shy’.
1) Pray – ask God to help you, lead and guide you.
2) Tell your story – that’s your ‘cast’
3) Show the love of God for other people, tell them that God loves them, include them.
4) Show the love of God for one another – ‘so that the world will know’
John 13:34-35 – A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Retro: Back to Basics III
I continued our current series in church this morning with the theme of being made in God’s image.
God Made Us
The most basic and urgent questions of life are who am I? And why am I here?
Some people spend a lifetime trying to "find themselves". But the answer to these questions is found right at the beginning of the Bible.
Genesis 1:26-30
God made men and women with a uniqueness that was not present in the other things He created. Only men and women were created in God's image. Only human beings have this special honour and privilege.
The universe we live in is beyond our comprehension - BUT the God who made the stars and everything else in the universe also made us. In the midst of this overwhelming universe God made us in a way that sets us apart from everything else He created. We may feel insignificant but we are very significant indeed!
We were created with ‘free will’, the freedom to choose. Not robots or clones!
Freedom is scary, because the potential for a human being to do great good or great evil is so tremendous. Freedom is complicated, and it’s messy. It leaves all kinds of unanswered questions that centre on questions like, who are we? Who created us and why?
Psalm 139:14 - I praise you because I am ‘fearfully’ and ‘wonderfully’ made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well
“Fearfully” and “Wonderfully” gets at the idea that each of us is capable of wonderful acts of courage and love, as well as frightening acts of selfishness and violence.
God’s imprint is upon us. The worth of each and every person, who has lived, is living now or will ever live have been established from the beginning! This imprint of God, furthermore, binds us together, because, above all else, we share God’s image in common.
God Redeems Us
Apostle Paul makes the charge that all mankind is under the curse of sin. He has clearly shown that the entire human race is guilty. Each one of us has blown it.
Romans 3:10-12 - (10) As it is written: There is no-one righteous, not even one; (11) there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. (12) All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Paul summarises this again in verse 23 (Romans 10) by saying, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
This word which Paul uses here means, "to miss the mark." We miss the glory of God. We were created in his image and intended to display his glory, and we missed!
God has redeemed us. He bought us out of captivity - and it cost him immeasurably: the price was the life of his Son.
Lost but now found...because of Christ...nothing that we could do on our own.
1 Peter 2:9-10 – (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. (10) Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come
God Restores Us
Saved for a purpose. What are we becoming? Who we were meant to be, as God intended!
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 – (16) But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (17) For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (18) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
(Vs18 - NKJ) But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Made for a Purpose – we have a ‘destiny’!
Many people are trying to be someone they aren’t – destiny and calling are all about God and you and who God has created you to be.
Destiny is all about the plans God has for you, it involves the gifts He has given you, your talents, skills and abilities both natural and spiritual – Calling is all about your willingness and worthiness to obey, to explore and develop that call.
Many feel the pressure of the world around them to be some thing they are not. People driven by insecurity, inferiority and the pressure of friends to be some thing, join a tribe, be part of a group.
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.”
Meeting and knowing Jesus frees us to become what we were created to be and find the plans of God The question therefore comes to us - are we willing to heed the call of God upon our lives?
Concerning “Destiny”
You’ve got one!
Jeremiah 29:11-12, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
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!
Your birth was no accident, no random event! Psalms 139:13-14 - “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
You are the right person at the right time designed with God’s purpose in mind!
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
You were created in Christ Jesus to do good works and these works God has prepared in advance for you to do.
God Made Us
The most basic and urgent questions of life are who am I? And why am I here?
Some people spend a lifetime trying to "find themselves". But the answer to these questions is found right at the beginning of the Bible.
Genesis 1:26-30
God made men and women with a uniqueness that was not present in the other things He created. Only men and women were created in God's image. Only human beings have this special honour and privilege.
The universe we live in is beyond our comprehension - BUT the God who made the stars and everything else in the universe also made us. In the midst of this overwhelming universe God made us in a way that sets us apart from everything else He created. We may feel insignificant but we are very significant indeed!
We were created with ‘free will’, the freedom to choose. Not robots or clones!
Freedom is scary, because the potential for a human being to do great good or great evil is so tremendous. Freedom is complicated, and it’s messy. It leaves all kinds of unanswered questions that centre on questions like, who are we? Who created us and why?
Psalm 139:14 - I praise you because I am ‘fearfully’ and ‘wonderfully’ made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well
“Fearfully” and “Wonderfully” gets at the idea that each of us is capable of wonderful acts of courage and love, as well as frightening acts of selfishness and violence.
God’s imprint is upon us. The worth of each and every person, who has lived, is living now or will ever live have been established from the beginning! This imprint of God, furthermore, binds us together, because, above all else, we share God’s image in common.
God Redeems Us
Apostle Paul makes the charge that all mankind is under the curse of sin. He has clearly shown that the entire human race is guilty. Each one of us has blown it.
Romans 3:10-12 - (10) As it is written: There is no-one righteous, not even one; (11) there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. (12) All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Paul summarises this again in verse 23 (Romans 10) by saying, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
This word which Paul uses here means, "to miss the mark." We miss the glory of God. We were created in his image and intended to display his glory, and we missed!
God has redeemed us. He bought us out of captivity - and it cost him immeasurably: the price was the life of his Son.
Lost but now found...because of Christ...nothing that we could do on our own.
1 Peter 2:9-10 – (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. (10) Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come
God Restores Us
Saved for a purpose. What are we becoming? Who we were meant to be, as God intended!
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 – (16) But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (17) For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (18) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
(Vs18 - NKJ) But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Made for a Purpose – we have a ‘destiny’!
Many people are trying to be someone they aren’t – destiny and calling are all about God and you and who God has created you to be.
Destiny is all about the plans God has for you, it involves the gifts He has given you, your talents, skills and abilities both natural and spiritual – Calling is all about your willingness and worthiness to obey, to explore and develop that call.
Many feel the pressure of the world around them to be some thing they are not. People driven by insecurity, inferiority and the pressure of friends to be some thing, join a tribe, be part of a group.
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.”
Meeting and knowing Jesus frees us to become what we were created to be and find the plans of God The question therefore comes to us - are we willing to heed the call of God upon our lives?
Concerning “Destiny”
You’ve got one!
Jeremiah 29:11-12, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
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!
Your birth was no accident, no random event! Psalms 139:13-14 - “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
You are the right person at the right time designed with God’s purpose in mind!
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
You were created in Christ Jesus to do good works and these works God has prepared in advance for you to do.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Retro: Back to Basics II
Mark Wilkins continued this excellent series yesterday in church on the subject of the fact that we are ‘Built for Community’.
We are made in God’s image, and God is relational...the Trinity. We were created for a need for ‘one another’
Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for the man to be alone
This is not just for marriage...we need many people in our lives, connected together. This is in-built inside of us...it has been put there by God – that need for relationship.
Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'
Spend time with people invest in your relationships. To have ‘fellowship in Christ’ means that we need to take down the walls that we have built up around ourselves and to be together.
Ephesians 2:19-22 – (19) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God's people and members of God's household, (20) built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (21) In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. (22) And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit
It better for us, more prosperous, to be together and not alone. We find strength in community as we stand together.
Why do we need fellowship/community?
- It allows perspective – we cannot always see clearly when we are on our own, being together brings fresh insight and wisdom.
- It allows protection – in Luke 15, Jesus talked about the lost sheep. One sheep on its own is vulnerable, which is why the shepherd went after it. The other 99 were left on their own because they remained protected in their togetherness.
- It enables growth (Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another)
Fellowship also means that we are not just looking to our own dreams and desires, but we are looking to and helping other people reach theirs as well. We are committed to community.
Romans 12:4-6 - Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying let him use it in proportion to his faith.
God’s plan for us is to be together and to work together. We all have our part to play.
Church is not a place where we all come with the same gifts and abilities, but we are all different people being joined together by God.
What are the characteristics of our church community? We are a community of...
- Faith, hope and love
- Encouragement (1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up)
- Grace, humility and gentleness
- Generosity
- Honour
- Diversity – we are unique, created by God. Different likes and interests. Our common denominator is Jesus Christ, we are all ‘one’ in Him.
We are made in God’s image, and God is relational...the Trinity. We were created for a need for ‘one another’
Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for the man to be alone
This is not just for marriage...we need many people in our lives, connected together. This is in-built inside of us...it has been put there by God – that need for relationship.
Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'
Spend time with people invest in your relationships. To have ‘fellowship in Christ’ means that we need to take down the walls that we have built up around ourselves and to be together.
Ephesians 2:19-22 – (19) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God's people and members of God's household, (20) built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (21) In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. (22) And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit
It better for us, more prosperous, to be together and not alone. We find strength in community as we stand together.
Why do we need fellowship/community?
- It allows perspective – we cannot always see clearly when we are on our own, being together brings fresh insight and wisdom.
- It allows protection – in Luke 15, Jesus talked about the lost sheep. One sheep on its own is vulnerable, which is why the shepherd went after it. The other 99 were left on their own because they remained protected in their togetherness.
- It enables growth (Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another)
Fellowship also means that we are not just looking to our own dreams and desires, but we are looking to and helping other people reach theirs as well. We are committed to community.
Romans 12:4-6 - Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying let him use it in proportion to his faith.
God’s plan for us is to be together and to work together. We all have our part to play.
Church is not a place where we all come with the same gifts and abilities, but we are all different people being joined together by God.
What are the characteristics of our church community? We are a community of...
- Faith, hope and love
- Encouragement (1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up)
- Grace, humility and gentleness
- Generosity
- Honour
- Diversity – we are unique, created by God. Different likes and interests. Our common denominator is Jesus Christ, we are all ‘one’ in Him.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Retro: Back to Basics
Paul Benger began our new series this morning in Church. A great message on the fact that we were ‘Made for Worship’
Matthew 22:34-40
My first purpose in life is to worship God. We’ve all been made for worship. We all worship something. What is our first and primary focus? We all have one. Above all else what/whom will we follow? (Career, car, home, sport, a team, people, personalities, wealth, health, our bodies, family)
Let us make God the centre of our focus. What we worship will eventually come out of us.
Throughout the Bible so often God says to his people, ‘do not worship other gods’. He isn’t panicked by us not worshipping Him, but He says to us ‘do not worship this, do not worship that’, because He loves us and He only wants the very best for us. Worshipping other things, having something else as the primary focus of our lives is damaging. What we are worshipping is what we are becoming.
Why worship in church is important
We worship in the house of God to experience Heaven on earth, Heaven’s atmosphere.
Psalm 34:3 - O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together
Let us make God big in our lives and in the life of our church. Have Heaven’s culture in the house.
Acts 2:46 - Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts
The early church saw so much happening as they grew and spread rapidly, this was because they lived in Heaven’s atmosphere.
We’re here to bring heaven to earth in a world where so often we see ‘hell on earth’
The more of the Heaven atmosphere we breathe in the more we become like Him. Let us meet together as often as we can.
Three things that worship is...
1) Worship is focusing my attention on God
It is my response to God’s love.
Romans 12:2 (The Message) Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognise what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you
2) Worship is expressing my affection to God
God takes risks. His greatest risk was loving us, because He doesn’t force us to love him back. He has given us freewill, the freedom to choose.
God wants a relationship with us. He isn’t passive in His relationship with us. But remember he uses 4 words - Love, will, me, you. It’s not ‘you will love me’, but ‘will you love me?’
3) Worship is using my abilities for God
We can all serve God in some way.
Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men
Romans 12:1 (The Message) So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him
Let us make it our goal to please Him.
Matthew 22:34-40
My first purpose in life is to worship God. We’ve all been made for worship. We all worship something. What is our first and primary focus? We all have one. Above all else what/whom will we follow? (Career, car, home, sport, a team, people, personalities, wealth, health, our bodies, family)
Let us make God the centre of our focus. What we worship will eventually come out of us.
Throughout the Bible so often God says to his people, ‘do not worship other gods’. He isn’t panicked by us not worshipping Him, but He says to us ‘do not worship this, do not worship that’, because He loves us and He only wants the very best for us. Worshipping other things, having something else as the primary focus of our lives is damaging. What we are worshipping is what we are becoming.
Why worship in church is important
We worship in the house of God to experience Heaven on earth, Heaven’s atmosphere.
Psalm 34:3 - O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together
Let us make God big in our lives and in the life of our church. Have Heaven’s culture in the house.
Acts 2:46 - Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts
The early church saw so much happening as they grew and spread rapidly, this was because they lived in Heaven’s atmosphere.
We’re here to bring heaven to earth in a world where so often we see ‘hell on earth’
The more of the Heaven atmosphere we breathe in the more we become like Him. Let us meet together as often as we can.
Three things that worship is...
1) Worship is focusing my attention on God
It is my response to God’s love.
Romans 12:2 (The Message) Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognise what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you
2) Worship is expressing my affection to God
God takes risks. His greatest risk was loving us, because He doesn’t force us to love him back. He has given us freewill, the freedom to choose.
God wants a relationship with us. He isn’t passive in His relationship with us. But remember he uses 4 words - Love, will, me, you. It’s not ‘you will love me’, but ‘will you love me?’
3) Worship is using my abilities for God
We can all serve God in some way.
Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men
Romans 12:1 (The Message) So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him
Let us make it our goal to please Him.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Change
Jeannie Benger spoke a great message in church this morning on the subject of ‘change’.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 – What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun
We should always be looking to change, to grow. It’s the way that we embrace change that causes us to grow. Never be happy with status quo. Be constantly moving forward. Expect change...expect good things.
Principles of Change…
People can change (but you can’t change them)
Change happens from within, from the inside out. As we allow God to change us it portrays in everything that we do.
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life
Focus on changing yourself and pray for others.
Change is a process
Occasionally change happens suddenly, but most of the time it does not happen like that. It is a journey. You don’t always get it right first time. It’s ok to fail, to learn from our mistakes. Let our attitude be expectant...that we can do it! Live with that anticipation of what God can do!
Fear is inevitable
As we experience new things we experience fear. So often we have to ‘do it afraid’.
To trust God...to step out. When afraid keep moving forward. Fear is an emotion that can keep us from our dreams…if we allow it to. Don’t let fear rob you. The promises of God...Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
Small steps will get you to the finish line
Consider the dreams that God has given you, the desire that you have for your life. Take little steps towards your dreams. We may have to change our thinking on this.
Position yourself in a place where people encourage you
Get yourself in that ‘grandstand’ place. Where people are encouraging you, ‘you can do it!’ Here in God’s house is a grandstand place. We want the very best for you and encourage you in attaining your dreams and desires in God! Go for it!
‘Constant change is here to stay’
Ecclesiastes 1:9 – What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun
We should always be looking to change, to grow. It’s the way that we embrace change that causes us to grow. Never be happy with status quo. Be constantly moving forward. Expect change...expect good things.
Principles of Change…
People can change (but you can’t change them)
Change happens from within, from the inside out. As we allow God to change us it portrays in everything that we do.
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life
Focus on changing yourself and pray for others.
Change is a process
Occasionally change happens suddenly, but most of the time it does not happen like that. It is a journey. You don’t always get it right first time. It’s ok to fail, to learn from our mistakes. Let our attitude be expectant...that we can do it! Live with that anticipation of what God can do!
Fear is inevitable
As we experience new things we experience fear. So often we have to ‘do it afraid’.
To trust God...to step out. When afraid keep moving forward. Fear is an emotion that can keep us from our dreams…if we allow it to. Don’t let fear rob you. The promises of God...Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
Small steps will get you to the finish line
Consider the dreams that God has given you, the desire that you have for your life. Take little steps towards your dreams. We may have to change our thinking on this.
Position yourself in a place where people encourage you
Get yourself in that ‘grandstand’ place. Where people are encouraging you, ‘you can do it!’ Here in God’s house is a grandstand place. We want the very best for you and encourage you in attaining your dreams and desires in God! Go for it!
‘Constant change is here to stay’
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Impossible is Nothing
Spoke today in church on FAITH.
Impossible is just big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.
IMPOSSIBLE is NOTHING!
New York American Marketing Association “From big sports to small sports, from great athletes to everyday athletes, from the past to the present, from personal records to human records, the campaign shows that Adidas believes every athlete can reach their own ‘impossible.’ It dares athletes to be dissatisfied with the status quo. It challenges athletes to dream about what they would like to achieve; to believe in their souls that their dreams, no matter how ‘impossible’ can be achieved.”
Adidas have hit upon a thought found in the Bible – that the word “impossible” means nothing to God, and should mean nothing to the Christian.
With God All Things Are Possible - Mark 10:27
This is a message of faith. What Faith thinks like, sounds like and looks like!
What Faith “Thinks” Like
What does God say about you, about us? What does God say about your situation?
Ultimately, it does not matter how our minds have been programmed in the past - we can change our future by re-programming it according to the Word of God.
Romans 12:2 – 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’
This verse does not exhort us to be transformed by the removal of our minds, but by the renewing of our minds.
Guard your hearts/minds by thinking about the right kind of things:
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or admirable think about such things.
What Faith “Sounds” Like
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.
Three kinds of language we should never use
The Language of Loss or Lack
This is the sort of talk that magnifies cost over gain. It is the sort of language that constantly describes your world in terms of what you’ve lost or lack.
The Language of Blindness
This is the sort of talk that describes things as they naturally are rather than as God has shown us that they will be.
The Language of Common People
This sort of talk belongs to the lowest common denominator. It is always critical, always coarse and always confining (seeking to keep everyone down)
Four Steps we must take to maintaining “wholesome” talk
(Step 1) Take Responsibility for What You Say
This is all part of “Renewing your mind”…what are we thinking. What’s coming into our world? It our thought processes. What comes in eventually comes out!
(Step 2) Practice Using Words that Build and Make Your World Strong
With God...I can. I will. God can do it. Trust Him.
(Step 3) Always Speak to Impart Grace and Favour
The “sound of faith”...sounds great to those around you! When I hear it…it stirs my heart, lifts my spirit, changes my thinking. Makes me more bold, gives me confidence.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life - Proverbs 10:11
(Step 4) Ask God, on a Regular Basis, to give you His Power in this Area
What Faith “Looks” Like
Matthew 17:20 - “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 21:21-22 - “Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig-tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Book of James talks about our faith being connected to “works/action”.
James 2:17– “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”
We think...we speak...we do!
The ‘look’ of faith – 4 points to consider about faith
Faith is positive by its definition and has strong elements of optimism attached to it. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
How does faith affect us? When we live by faith we discover that faith is up-beat, buoyant, cheerful and hopeful. Faith is sure and certain yet persistent and at times unrelenting.
Faith chooses your friends and determines your partners. Faith is the element, the substance that helps you to always give a good report.
This is the kind of faith that changes our thinking, chooses our words, moulds our attitudes and shapes our life!
This is the kind of faith that perseveres, never gives up and fights to the end and refuses to say die.
That believes, with God, Impossible is nothing!
Faith is a substance, its lives in our hearts. Faith is objective, definable and can be quantified – the bible says you can have faith, you can have little faith, much faith and great faith – it is a substance that grows like a mustard seed planted, it develops like a muscle through use.
Faith is not reliant upon what is seen – the Bible says 2 Corinthians 5:7 - “We live by faith, not by sight.”
Faith embodies action; faith requires exploits, faith demands an extraordinary challenge. Faith is often very bold, audacious, and defies logic (Impossible is nothing).
I want my life to be full of God’s faith
The kind of faith that ‘thinks’, God thoughts
The kind of faith that emits the sound of heaven
The kind of faith that “looks like this”...that whatever measure I have will characterise all that God is...all that God is doing in me, my family, my church.
That causes me to rise up and believe that “with God all things are possible”. In fact impossible is nothing!
Impossible is just big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.
IMPOSSIBLE is NOTHING!
New York American Marketing Association “From big sports to small sports, from great athletes to everyday athletes, from the past to the present, from personal records to human records, the campaign shows that Adidas believes every athlete can reach their own ‘impossible.’ It dares athletes to be dissatisfied with the status quo. It challenges athletes to dream about what they would like to achieve; to believe in their souls that their dreams, no matter how ‘impossible’ can be achieved.”
Adidas have hit upon a thought found in the Bible – that the word “impossible” means nothing to God, and should mean nothing to the Christian.
With God All Things Are Possible - Mark 10:27
This is a message of faith. What Faith thinks like, sounds like and looks like!
What Faith “Thinks” Like
What does God say about you, about us? What does God say about your situation?
Ultimately, it does not matter how our minds have been programmed in the past - we can change our future by re-programming it according to the Word of God.
Romans 12:2 – 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’
This verse does not exhort us to be transformed by the removal of our minds, but by the renewing of our minds.
Guard your hearts/minds by thinking about the right kind of things:
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or admirable think about such things.
What Faith “Sounds” Like
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.
Three kinds of language we should never use
The Language of Loss or Lack
This is the sort of talk that magnifies cost over gain. It is the sort of language that constantly describes your world in terms of what you’ve lost or lack.
The Language of Blindness
This is the sort of talk that describes things as they naturally are rather than as God has shown us that they will be.
The Language of Common People
This sort of talk belongs to the lowest common denominator. It is always critical, always coarse and always confining (seeking to keep everyone down)
Four Steps we must take to maintaining “wholesome” talk
(Step 1) Take Responsibility for What You Say
This is all part of “Renewing your mind”…what are we thinking. What’s coming into our world? It our thought processes. What comes in eventually comes out!
(Step 2) Practice Using Words that Build and Make Your World Strong
With God...I can. I will. God can do it. Trust Him.
(Step 3) Always Speak to Impart Grace and Favour
The “sound of faith”...sounds great to those around you! When I hear it…it stirs my heart, lifts my spirit, changes my thinking. Makes me more bold, gives me confidence.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life - Proverbs 10:11
(Step 4) Ask God, on a Regular Basis, to give you His Power in this Area
What Faith “Looks” Like
Matthew 17:20 - “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 21:21-22 - “Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig-tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Book of James talks about our faith being connected to “works/action”.
James 2:17– “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”
We think...we speak...we do!
The ‘look’ of faith – 4 points to consider about faith
Faith is positive by its definition and has strong elements of optimism attached to it. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
How does faith affect us? When we live by faith we discover that faith is up-beat, buoyant, cheerful and hopeful. Faith is sure and certain yet persistent and at times unrelenting.
Faith chooses your friends and determines your partners. Faith is the element, the substance that helps you to always give a good report.
This is the kind of faith that changes our thinking, chooses our words, moulds our attitudes and shapes our life!
This is the kind of faith that perseveres, never gives up and fights to the end and refuses to say die.
That believes, with God, Impossible is nothing!
Faith is a substance, its lives in our hearts. Faith is objective, definable and can be quantified – the bible says you can have faith, you can have little faith, much faith and great faith – it is a substance that grows like a mustard seed planted, it develops like a muscle through use.
Faith is not reliant upon what is seen – the Bible says 2 Corinthians 5:7 - “We live by faith, not by sight.”
Faith embodies action; faith requires exploits, faith demands an extraordinary challenge. Faith is often very bold, audacious, and defies logic (Impossible is nothing).
I want my life to be full of God’s faith
The kind of faith that ‘thinks’, God thoughts
The kind of faith that emits the sound of heaven
The kind of faith that “looks like this”...that whatever measure I have will characterise all that God is...all that God is doing in me, my family, my church.
That causes me to rise up and believe that “with God all things are possible”. In fact impossible is nothing!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Shame Off You
This morning in church we heard a message from Paul Benger that strikes at the heart of everyone. That so often shame and condemnation keeps us down and yet the good news that Jesus brings gives us hope, a new life and elevates our lives to a place that so often we think we don’t deserve.
God wants us to be free. Free from shame, guilt and condemnation. Our focus is on the following account in John’s Gospel about the adulterous woman…
John 7:53-8:11
John’s Gospel, chapter 1, in particular the first 18 verses gives us an incredible picture of who Jesus is, but not only that it informs us of our standing in Christ…of who we are because of all he has done.
The rest of the Gospel of John, his accounts of Jesus etc, goes on to support these first 18 verses.
...the law came through Moses, but Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
In our story today John is focusing on this truth, that grace and truth come through Jesus Christ.
Religious people like to make people feel SMALL. Jesus’ people like to make people feel BIG. As a church we want to lift people, make them feel big and significant…to know and experience the grace of God.
He that is without ‘sin’ cast the first stone. Sin = ’missing the mark’, when Jesus said this they knew he was saying that they all miss the mark. Jesus offered the woman grace and forgiveness.
Whatever your past is today you can know complete forgiveness. So often we hear this truth but find it hard to accept it and believe it for ourselves.
You can ‘hit the mark’ for your life.
You have been made holy (right) in God’s sight through Jesus Christ.
You have the same access as anyone else to all that God has for you.
You may have failed but you can still have a great future.
‘Shame’ is a main cause of low self-esteem. When we are free from shame we find confidence and boldness.
Shame often stays a lot longer than it should. We can even learn to live with it. We need to know there is freedom from shame. Conviction will bring you closer to God; shame and condemnation will draw us away from God.
Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
4 important truths we need to know
Through Jesus’ grace and truth...
1) We don’t get what we deserve we get what God has provided
Don’t focus on the sin, focus on the provision.
2) God’s opinion of you is not based on what people think. He sees us from his own unique perspective
Hebrews 8:12 - For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more
God forgets our sin!
3) God doesn’t condemn us He wants to clear our conscience
Jesus lifted the pressure of the woman’s soul. Set her free.
4) God doesn’t abandon us He stays in relationship with us
‘Even if I make my bed in hell...You are there’
Jesus stood by this woman.
If we take a snapshot of your life today...this isn’t it! It’s not the final picture. God has more for you...you’ve not reached your best yet.
Stay in an atmosphere of faith, hope and love.
God wants us to be free. Free from shame, guilt and condemnation. Our focus is on the following account in John’s Gospel about the adulterous woman…
John 7:53-8:11
John’s Gospel, chapter 1, in particular the first 18 verses gives us an incredible picture of who Jesus is, but not only that it informs us of our standing in Christ…of who we are because of all he has done.
The rest of the Gospel of John, his accounts of Jesus etc, goes on to support these first 18 verses.
...the law came through Moses, but Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
In our story today John is focusing on this truth, that grace and truth come through Jesus Christ.
Religious people like to make people feel SMALL. Jesus’ people like to make people feel BIG. As a church we want to lift people, make them feel big and significant…to know and experience the grace of God.
He that is without ‘sin’ cast the first stone. Sin = ’missing the mark’, when Jesus said this they knew he was saying that they all miss the mark. Jesus offered the woman grace and forgiveness.
Whatever your past is today you can know complete forgiveness. So often we hear this truth but find it hard to accept it and believe it for ourselves.
You can ‘hit the mark’ for your life.
You have been made holy (right) in God’s sight through Jesus Christ.
You have the same access as anyone else to all that God has for you.
You may have failed but you can still have a great future.
‘Shame’ is a main cause of low self-esteem. When we are free from shame we find confidence and boldness.
Shame often stays a lot longer than it should. We can even learn to live with it. We need to know there is freedom from shame. Conviction will bring you closer to God; shame and condemnation will draw us away from God.
Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
4 important truths we need to know
Through Jesus’ grace and truth...
1) We don’t get what we deserve we get what God has provided
Don’t focus on the sin, focus on the provision.
2) God’s opinion of you is not based on what people think. He sees us from his own unique perspective
Hebrews 8:12 - For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more
God forgets our sin!
3) God doesn’t condemn us He wants to clear our conscience
Jesus lifted the pressure of the woman’s soul. Set her free.
4) God doesn’t abandon us He stays in relationship with us
‘Even if I make my bed in hell...You are there’
Jesus stood by this woman.
If we take a snapshot of your life today...this isn’t it! It’s not the final picture. God has more for you...you’ve not reached your best yet.
Stay in an atmosphere of faith, hope and love.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Missions
It was our Missions Sunday yesterday where we presented the church with our commitiment to missions giving over the next 12 months.
We were pleased to have David and Rosemary Playle with us who lead the Ground Level Network Overseas Missions team and who shared with us their heart and commitment to overseas work. This is one of a number of important areas we will be giving into over the coming year. Some of our other commitments:
Betel
Compassion (Where we currently sponsor 2 children)
City Hearts House (Sheffield)
Links International (in particular the ‘micro enterprise project’ where we will be sponsoring 5 families to set them up in business)
We were pleased to have David and Rosemary Playle with us who lead the Ground Level Network Overseas Missions team and who shared with us their heart and commitment to overseas work. This is one of a number of important areas we will be giving into over the coming year. Some of our other commitments:
Betel
Compassion (Where we currently sponsor 2 children)
City Hearts House (Sheffield)
Links International (in particular the ‘micro enterprise project’ where we will be sponsoring 5 families to set them up in business)
Monday, March 05, 2007
Choosing the Right Path
Simon Wood spoke yesterday in church. A great word of encouragement for the church and the journey we are on. We have a great future because we have the right foundations in place.
John 10:9-10 – Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
Make the right choices...enter through the right gate - Jesus.
Deuteronomy 30:9-19
(Vs 9) The Lord delights in being good to us...that is God’s heart.
(Vs 11-14) It’s simple...it’s not rocket science!
(Vs 19) God has given us the freedom to choose. Choose life! Jesus gave us the choice, two gates…wide and narrow.
We need to get God’s word into our lives, His wisdom. Proverbs 2 - Search for it. Gain it.
God sees the positive potential in all of us. His desire is for us to take the right path that He has set before us. A path of blessing, a life in all its fullness.
John 10:9-10 – Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
Make the right choices...enter through the right gate - Jesus.
Deuteronomy 30:9-19
(Vs 9) The Lord delights in being good to us...that is God’s heart.
(Vs 11-14) It’s simple...it’s not rocket science!
(Vs 19) God has given us the freedom to choose. Choose life! Jesus gave us the choice, two gates…wide and narrow.
We need to get God’s word into our lives, His wisdom. Proverbs 2 - Search for it. Gain it.
God sees the positive potential in all of us. His desire is for us to take the right path that He has set before us. A path of blessing, a life in all its fullness.
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