A great time in church on Sunday, Paul Benger spoke an excellent message in the morning entitled ‘Strengthen Yourself’.
1 Samuel 30:1-10; 16-24
David was at a low point in his life. He was on the run and had only 600 men and not the best but the ragamuffins of the army. They had come under attack from the Amalekites and lost everything including women and children.
Verse 6 – ‘David strengthened himself in the Lord his God’.
It was the turning point in his situation. David and his men retook everything the Amalekites had taken from them.
David had suffered great trouble throughout his life…the highs and the lows. Here he found himself in that place again.
What do you or I do when we find ourselves at low points? When we find ourselves in need of strength. Like David strengthened himself in God, do we need to know how to do this in our lives? Maybe we used to be able to do it but not any longer.
Maybe we blame others when the answer is what is on the inside of us. We need the presence of God inside of us. The atmosphere around us can be determined by not what’s going off around us but by what is inside of us.
How did David do it? To become strengthened by God rather than becoming cynical…to be strengthened in God rather being full of fear…to be strong in the Lord rather than blaming other people…to be strengthened rather than being depressed…to be strengthened in God rather than becoming bitter.
Before David could do anything, even pray, he strengthened himself in the Lord. Some other examples…
Psalm 59 – whilst being pursued by Saul
Psalm 56 – when imprisoned in Gath
Psalm 63 – hiding in the wilderness of Judah
Psalm 3 – whilst fleeing from his son Absalom
How did he do it?
1) David remembered the Power of his God
Psalm 63:1-2 – O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
We need to get our eyes off of ourselves and our own power and strength and get our eyes on God. When we are weak He is strong. We are finite God is infinite.
David knew this throughout his life and not just in times of trouble. It becomes a habit...remembering the power of God all the time.
Knowing the grace of God…He’s saved us!
Jeremiah 32:7 – I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
We need to remember the power of God. When there seems to be no way…He makes a way!
2) David remembered the Love of his God
Psalm 63:3 – Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you
Psalm 59:10 – In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me. He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies
When you remember the strength of his love…you become stronger.
We may change but he never changes, his love is constant. Our circumstances do not mirror God’s love but Jesus mirrors God’s love.
3) David remembered the Power of Praise
Psalm 63:3 – Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you
Better to praise God than be miserable! Better to praise than to worry.
Psalm 22:3 (KJV) – But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel
Can it be that we can be on the mountaintop when our lives are in the valley experiences? When our circumstances dictate we should be down and miserable. But we can live by faith praising God, trusting Him enjoying mountaintop living!
Praise magnifies God and tells us that we are the people of God. It changes the atmosphere. Praise is not the ‘fast song’. It is when our focus is on God and his greatness. A ‘roar’ of thanksgiving, a declaration that ‘He is mighty!’ That this is a life changing day a life changing moment.
4) David remembered the Presence of God
Psalm 59:16-17 – But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble
David remembered that whatever was happening GOD WAS WITH HIM!
5) David remembered to Prophesy
Psalm 59:10 – In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me. He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies
He knew how to strengthen himself in God by prophesying, speaking God’s word into the situation.
Strength rises as we speak God’s word over our lives, over our church. God will make a way!
Is there something we need to say today to our mountain, to our situation? Just like David let us remember to speak God’s word.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 08, 2008
Stretch Enlarge Lengthen Strengthen!
Excellent time in church yesterday, both morning and evening (our new evening service began 6:30pm start) - Jeannie Benger shared a great message in the morning from Isaiah 54:2 about us becoming bigger people.
Isaiah 54:2 – Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes
God is saying I cannot fit what I have for you in the space provided…I need you to get bigger!
Stretch
Determine what our capacity is – how far are we stretching now? Our capacity is what is inside of us and not what we are seeing now.
Stretching is a challenge. The way we think is the way we are. See yourself as a winner.
God wants us to be constantly increasing, to see our vision expanded. He puts us in the right place with the right people to accomplish this. We need people that enlarge us. He wants our thinking to be bigger than what we see right now.
Enlarge
Enlarging is changing our thinking. We can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Jesus talked about us being like new wineskins able to stretch, to enlarge as he fills us. Let us not be restrictive by our attitudes but pliable, new thinking that helps to stretch us and enlarge our vision.
So often people stop running to win, they become fed up and tired, becoming inflexible. Like a long-distance runner we need to break through the pain barrier.
Sometimes we need to stretch beyond our comfort zone. We need to decide whether we are going to let God stretch us or not.
Stretch to accommodate the vision that God has given you. Stir up your hearts to make plans, and allow God to guide you.
Proverbs 16:9 - In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps
Dream God’s dreams!
Lengthen
To go further in our output and effort. Promotion doesn’t come from doing the bare minimum. That extra effort makes us winners…but it’s a choice.
Still need to remember to connect with the right people. Associate yourselves with wise and positive people. We need to run the race marked out for us, it’s our race different for everyone else’s, but having the right kind of people on the sidelines spurring us on!
Strengthen
God wants to strengthen us. He wants us to have spiritual strength and stamina. To workout…on his word, to seek Him.
Undisciplined athletes usually lose. We need to listen to God, not get too busy doing our own thing and failing to hear his voice.
His word shapes our lives. Discipline ourselves to listen to his word and to apply it!
We are born to win! The ability is there…we need to realise that!
Isaiah 54:2 – Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes
God is saying I cannot fit what I have for you in the space provided…I need you to get bigger!
Stretch
Determine what our capacity is – how far are we stretching now? Our capacity is what is inside of us and not what we are seeing now.
Stretching is a challenge. The way we think is the way we are. See yourself as a winner.
God wants us to be constantly increasing, to see our vision expanded. He puts us in the right place with the right people to accomplish this. We need people that enlarge us. He wants our thinking to be bigger than what we see right now.
Enlarge
Enlarging is changing our thinking. We can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Jesus talked about us being like new wineskins able to stretch, to enlarge as he fills us. Let us not be restrictive by our attitudes but pliable, new thinking that helps to stretch us and enlarge our vision.
So often people stop running to win, they become fed up and tired, becoming inflexible. Like a long-distance runner we need to break through the pain barrier.
Sometimes we need to stretch beyond our comfort zone. We need to decide whether we are going to let God stretch us or not.
Stretch to accommodate the vision that God has given you. Stir up your hearts to make plans, and allow God to guide you.
Proverbs 16:9 - In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps
Dream God’s dreams!
Lengthen
To go further in our output and effort. Promotion doesn’t come from doing the bare minimum. That extra effort makes us winners…but it’s a choice.
Still need to remember to connect with the right people. Associate yourselves with wise and positive people. We need to run the race marked out for us, it’s our race different for everyone else’s, but having the right kind of people on the sidelines spurring us on!
Strengthen
God wants to strengthen us. He wants us to have spiritual strength and stamina. To workout…on his word, to seek Him.
Undisciplined athletes usually lose. We need to listen to God, not get too busy doing our own thing and failing to hear his voice.
His word shapes our lives. Discipline ourselves to listen to his word and to apply it!
We are born to win! The ability is there…we need to realise that!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Connect
Paul Benger spoke an excellent message in church this morning on ‘Connecting’.
We can connect to negative things as well as positive things.
Where we connect is very important. When we make right connections we can be sure our landings will be ok! Our connections become the power that is at work in our lives.
As we connect with people of faith we feel lifted. God is able to speak to us through those connections.
Ezekiel 37:1-10
God asks Ezekiel – ‘Can these bones lives?
God also asks us as we look over our lives – ‘what can you see?’
God tells Ezekiel to speak to the bones - Ezekiel is going to be the answer. We are going to be the answer in our life and the lives of others.
God knows the answer – he wants us to know it. God can speak the answer but he wants us to speak it.
Vs 7 – God can make old bones live again. We have so many connection tools yet we still live in a world with so much disconnection. The answer to disconnection is two-fold:
1) Breath of God. We need to keep full of the Holy Spirit.
2) Connection. We need to love one another when we come together.
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.
10 things that we can do in Connect Groups to help us to minister to one another
1) Celebrate the victory of others (Romans 12:10)
2) Don’t judge (Romans 14:13)
3) Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
4) Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
5) Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
6) Put up with one another (Ephesians 4:2)
7) Forgive (Ephesians 4:32)
8) Speak to one another about God (Ephesians 5:19)
9) Put people at ease (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
10) Build people up (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13)
We can connect to negative things as well as positive things.
Where we connect is very important. When we make right connections we can be sure our landings will be ok! Our connections become the power that is at work in our lives.
As we connect with people of faith we feel lifted. God is able to speak to us through those connections.
Ezekiel 37:1-10
God asks Ezekiel – ‘Can these bones lives?
God also asks us as we look over our lives – ‘what can you see?’
God tells Ezekiel to speak to the bones - Ezekiel is going to be the answer. We are going to be the answer in our life and the lives of others.
God knows the answer – he wants us to know it. God can speak the answer but he wants us to speak it.
Vs 7 – God can make old bones live again. We have so many connection tools yet we still live in a world with so much disconnection. The answer to disconnection is two-fold:
1) Breath of God. We need to keep full of the Holy Spirit.
2) Connection. We need to love one another when we come together.
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.
10 things that we can do in Connect Groups to help us to minister to one another
1) Celebrate the victory of others (Romans 12:10)
2) Don’t judge (Romans 14:13)
3) Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
4) Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
5) Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
6) Put up with one another (Ephesians 4:2)
7) Forgive (Ephesians 4:32)
8) Speak to one another about God (Ephesians 5:19)
9) Put people at ease (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
10) Build people up (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13)
Monday, August 18, 2008
God Unlimited
Another excellent message in church yesterday morning. Paul Benger spoke on 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.
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.
- You shall expand, Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- You shall expand, Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
- 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.
- 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.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Handling Life's Storms
Great message in church on Sunday. Paul Benger spoke on ‘Handling Life’s Storms’.
Acts 27:27-44
We all face storms in our lives both literal (i.e. the kind that causes floods and blow our roofs off!) - to the more common ‘life storms’. Both types cause upheaval and are messy!
Some of the characteristics of storms - Unexpected, unfavourable, unpleasant and unpredictable.
We face storms relating to our health, finances, emotions, career, increased responsibilities.
God is with us, he wants to help us handle storms...to delivers us and bring us through them.
When storms come as Christians we need to rise up – to have a backbone. The Spirit of God is inside of us, don’t succumb to the spirit of the age. Take a stand.
Four important responses in the midst of storms:
1) Don’t Abandon Your Trust in God
Don’t look for a reason why – trust God. Don’t focus on your smallness, focus on the greatness of God. Paul – “God has shown me, no one will die’
Don’t rely on yourself – don’t trust in human wisdom, it’s flawed. Trust God – do it His way. You’re only ‘right’ when you agree with God – it’s time to change your mind! He is our deliverer!
The storm will reveal what’s inside of us. How much hope we’ve got, how much faith we’ve got, how much joy we’ve got.
The storm doesn’t reveal stuff for God to see – the storm let’s us know what we need in our life.
2) Don’t Abandon the Ship and Crew
(Vs 30-32) – Too many people jump ship when the storm comes. God wants us to draw closer. The best place to be when the storm comes is in the House of God.
When the storm comes don’t project your problems on someone else...and don’t think the grass is always greener on the other side.
A storm means that a better day is coming!
3) Don’t Abandon Your Faith
Don’t go into crisis or panic mode. What’s inside of us? Don’t abandon the things we are believing for. As well as starting new things...finish them!
Vision can sometimes shrivel up when a storm comes.
Hebrews 12:1-3 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Jesus never backed off when he faced a storm.
Let the storm be the momentum that takes you to another level.
4) Don’t Abandon Your Mission
They stayed with the ship...until they’d accomplished their mission. Changes happen so that we can fulfil our mission.
Consider the changes that we are about to face as a church. It’s all about us fulfilling our mission. What God has called us to do at this time. To see His church built in this place
Let’s not abandon our mission!
Acts 27:27-44
We all face storms in our lives both literal (i.e. the kind that causes floods and blow our roofs off!) - to the more common ‘life storms’. Both types cause upheaval and are messy!
Some of the characteristics of storms - Unexpected, unfavourable, unpleasant and unpredictable.
We face storms relating to our health, finances, emotions, career, increased responsibilities.
God is with us, he wants to help us handle storms...to delivers us and bring us through them.
When storms come as Christians we need to rise up – to have a backbone. The Spirit of God is inside of us, don’t succumb to the spirit of the age. Take a stand.
Four important responses in the midst of storms:
1) Don’t Abandon Your Trust in God
Don’t look for a reason why – trust God. Don’t focus on your smallness, focus on the greatness of God. Paul – “God has shown me, no one will die’
Don’t rely on yourself – don’t trust in human wisdom, it’s flawed. Trust God – do it His way. You’re only ‘right’ when you agree with God – it’s time to change your mind! He is our deliverer!
The storm will reveal what’s inside of us. How much hope we’ve got, how much faith we’ve got, how much joy we’ve got.
The storm doesn’t reveal stuff for God to see – the storm let’s us know what we need in our life.
2) Don’t Abandon the Ship and Crew
(Vs 30-32) – Too many people jump ship when the storm comes. God wants us to draw closer. The best place to be when the storm comes is in the House of God.
When the storm comes don’t project your problems on someone else...and don’t think the grass is always greener on the other side.
A storm means that a better day is coming!
3) Don’t Abandon Your Faith
Don’t go into crisis or panic mode. What’s inside of us? Don’t abandon the things we are believing for. As well as starting new things...finish them!
Vision can sometimes shrivel up when a storm comes.
Hebrews 12:1-3 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Jesus never backed off when he faced a storm.
Let the storm be the momentum that takes you to another level.
4) Don’t Abandon Your Mission
They stayed with the ship...until they’d accomplished their mission. Changes happen so that we can fulfil our mission.
Consider the changes that we are about to face as a church. It’s all about us fulfilling our mission. What God has called us to do at this time. To see His church built in this place
Let’s not abandon our mission!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Black Swan
Mark Wilkins spoke an excellent message in church today.
‘A Black Swan is a large-impact hard-to-predict, and rare event beyond the realm of normal expectations’. Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Black swans were discovered in Australia before that it was assumed that all swans were white.
Jesus is the ultimate black swan – meeting him is our breakthrough moment. We can no longer look back at our past and use it to predict our future. We become a new creation.
Luke 5:1-11
Jesus wasn’t what the people of his time expected. They were used to looking in the past to determine their future. Jesus was a surprise to them.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do everything through him who gives me strength
Ephesians 3:20-21 – 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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Our dreams can be weighed down by us looking in the past. We have to look to our future through the eyes of faith.
More thoughts about ‘black swans’…
They are not always bad news
Strategic friendships are vital
Jesus has a plan
Faith is all that is required
Grace is in plentiful supply
Jesus blows away all of Simon Peter’s past experience (logical induction!) because he sends back out to fish again. Peter knows there are no fish but Jesus proves him wrong.
Unexpected happenings can be good opportunities - not negative! A crisis can be a great opportunity for us to step up a level.
James and John were faithful friends to Peter. We need to seek out those faithful friends in our lives.
Jesus is the name above all names! His plan for us will not fail. We need to stay faithful even though change is taking place in our lives.
His grace is sufficient during bad times. He’s always there to love and forgive us. To lift us up and put us back on track.
‘A Black Swan is a large-impact hard-to-predict, and rare event beyond the realm of normal expectations’. Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Black swans were discovered in Australia before that it was assumed that all swans were white.
Jesus is the ultimate black swan – meeting him is our breakthrough moment. We can no longer look back at our past and use it to predict our future. We become a new creation.
Luke 5:1-11
Jesus wasn’t what the people of his time expected. They were used to looking in the past to determine their future. Jesus was a surprise to them.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do everything through him who gives me strength
Ephesians 3:20-21 – 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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Our dreams can be weighed down by us looking in the past. We have to look to our future through the eyes of faith.
More thoughts about ‘black swans’…
They are not always bad news
Strategic friendships are vital
Jesus has a plan
Faith is all that is required
Grace is in plentiful supply
Jesus blows away all of Simon Peter’s past experience (logical induction!) because he sends back out to fish again. Peter knows there are no fish but Jesus proves him wrong.
Unexpected happenings can be good opportunities - not negative! A crisis can be a great opportunity for us to step up a level.
James and John were faithful friends to Peter. We need to seek out those faithful friends in our lives.
Jesus is the name above all names! His plan for us will not fail. We need to stay faithful even though change is taking place in our lives.
His grace is sufficient during bad times. He’s always there to love and forgive us. To lift us up and put us back on track.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Seeing the Kingdom of God
Another great message in church yesterday. Paul Benger spoke on seeing the Kingdom of God with child-like qualities.
Luke 18:15-17 – People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
‘Like a little child’ – to see the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God, where God’s will and rule is in our lives, in this place...the church.
Jesus teaching was hope-filled, revolutionary. He is intricately involved with our lives.
If we are not careful we can miss the Kingdom of God. Some reasons why…
Familiarity – we can get familiar with things. This can cause us to miss the things. Preachers, scripture, people, jobs etc. Things can become too routine. Can stop us seeing God’s Kingdom at work.
Cynicism – A British trait. When someone accomplishes something, rises to the top, we’re waiting for them to fall.
Grumpiness – having a grumpy, negative outlook on life can cause us to miss the Kingdom of God.
Conspiracy Theory – where everybody is out to get me. We can get focused on little pockets of thought. We forget that Jesus is alive, He is Lord. Christ will put all things under his feet.
Lack of trust, this can lead us to missing God’s Kingdom.
Our church...where God is present and anyone can flourish!
As we take on more child-like qualities we will see more of the Kingdom of God in our lives.
Four child-like qualities to have in our lives...
1) Wonder
We can lose this as we get older, that sense of wonder. ‘You can never have worship without wonder’ (Paul Newbury)
God was able to turn darkness to light...take a barren earth and fill it with life. What wonder! Do we find things wonderful? God knew me...even before I was conceived!
We need to find things wonderful again.
God is with us where ever we go! Wonderful?
His will is that none should perish. God, through his Son, made a way to lift the lives of all...wonderful?
Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well
Psalm 139:1-6 – O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in— behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Only God could do all of this – Wow!
2) Enthusiasm
The ability to get really, really excited! Some people find dreariness in everything.
Enthusiasm is from the Greek word, ‘En – Theos’ – in God, or inspired by God.
We miss God when we lose our enthusiasm for life. Enthusiastic people see more of the Kingdom of God.
3) Rest
Kids look amazing when they are asleep. Trusting in Dad and safe in his arms. Trust in God...stop worrying.
In the midst of chaos, connect with God, find that still moment. Know this, ‘God I know you’re planning good things for me!’
Psalm 131:2 – But I have stilled and quietened my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me
4) Trust
Psalm 37:3 – Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture
Believe that God is on the case...trust in Him.
Luke 18:15-17 – People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
‘Like a little child’ – to see the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God, where God’s will and rule is in our lives, in this place...the church.
Jesus teaching was hope-filled, revolutionary. He is intricately involved with our lives.
If we are not careful we can miss the Kingdom of God. Some reasons why…
Familiarity – we can get familiar with things. This can cause us to miss the things. Preachers, scripture, people, jobs etc. Things can become too routine. Can stop us seeing God’s Kingdom at work.
Cynicism – A British trait. When someone accomplishes something, rises to the top, we’re waiting for them to fall.
Grumpiness – having a grumpy, negative outlook on life can cause us to miss the Kingdom of God.
Conspiracy Theory – where everybody is out to get me. We can get focused on little pockets of thought. We forget that Jesus is alive, He is Lord. Christ will put all things under his feet.
Lack of trust, this can lead us to missing God’s Kingdom.
Our church...where God is present and anyone can flourish!
As we take on more child-like qualities we will see more of the Kingdom of God in our lives.
Four child-like qualities to have in our lives...
1) Wonder
We can lose this as we get older, that sense of wonder. ‘You can never have worship without wonder’ (Paul Newbury)
God was able to turn darkness to light...take a barren earth and fill it with life. What wonder! Do we find things wonderful? God knew me...even before I was conceived!
We need to find things wonderful again.
God is with us where ever we go! Wonderful?
His will is that none should perish. God, through his Son, made a way to lift the lives of all...wonderful?
Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well
Psalm 139:1-6 – O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in— behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Only God could do all of this – Wow!
2) Enthusiasm
The ability to get really, really excited! Some people find dreariness in everything.
Enthusiasm is from the Greek word, ‘En – Theos’ – in God, or inspired by God.
We miss God when we lose our enthusiasm for life. Enthusiastic people see more of the Kingdom of God.
3) Rest
Kids look amazing when they are asleep. Trusting in Dad and safe in his arms. Trust in God...stop worrying.
In the midst of chaos, connect with God, find that still moment. Know this, ‘God I know you’re planning good things for me!’
Psalm 131:2 – But I have stilled and quietened my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me
4) Trust
Psalm 37:3 – Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture
Believe that God is on the case...trust in Him.
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Healing of Jairus’ Daughter
Great time in church yesterday. Paul Benger brought an excellent message about the healing of Jairus’ daughter.
Mark 5:21-43
In this story we get two for the price of one! We have the healing of the woman with the issue of blood and our main story, which is the healing of Jairus’ daughter.
There is a message hidden behind this story. The woman had suffered for 12 years and the daughter of Jairus was 12 when she died. 12 means covenant (12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles etc)
The woman represents the old covenant, dead religion – striving, struggling. Trying to be worthy. Finally she puts her faith in Jesus and is healed. We can never do anything to earn God’s favour; grace is poured out for all.
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
Anyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ will live!
Romans 10:17 – Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ
Look at this...Jesus took three people to see Jairus’ daughter, Peter, James and John. Peter – Rock/Stone/Tablets – the law, James – Jacob, meaning surplanter or superseded, John – meaning grace. The Law is Superseded by Grace. Not through our effort.
The only way to God is through Jesus Christ.
There are three things that help us to receive from God from this story...
Jesus puts away the mourning and the unbelief. ‘Little girl I say to you arise’. God’s word will penetrate anything that has no life…even death, our difficult situations that seem impenetrable. He will create life in death.
Jesus put away the unbelieving
Jairus came to Jesus in ‘faith’. Jesus told him to keep believing despite the situation he was facing. As a church we need to keep believing.
There are facts and there is truth. The fact was the girl was dead. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. He brought life where there was death.
We can face the facts in our lives and yet we can still grow in faith. Fact = the current economy squeeze. The truth = My God is my provider! He is my redeemer, he turns things around. He takes a ‘mess’ and redeems it and makes it a ‘message’!
Let us keep ourselves in a state of believing.
Jesus put away the mockers
They went from crying to laughing and scorning.
Don’t sit in the seat of the scornful. They’re always sat at the sides, full of cynicism – unfruitful. They don’t see many miracles.
Have a pure spirit - let Heaven invade our lives.
Believe in people...put away that mocking spirit. Become like little children, experience the wonder and amazement of God again.
Jesus put away the mournful
Our emotions can rob us of that state of believing. We can always see things from a bleak and negative viewpoint. Our glass is always half empty.
Our nature in Christ should say, ‘isn’t it great what God is doing!’
Know that the answer is in Jesus Christ. Focus on Him, his redeeming power, his healing power.
Mark 5:21-43
In this story we get two for the price of one! We have the healing of the woman with the issue of blood and our main story, which is the healing of Jairus’ daughter.
There is a message hidden behind this story. The woman had suffered for 12 years and the daughter of Jairus was 12 when she died. 12 means covenant (12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles etc)
The woman represents the old covenant, dead religion – striving, struggling. Trying to be worthy. Finally she puts her faith in Jesus and is healed. We can never do anything to earn God’s favour; grace is poured out for all.
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
Anyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ will live!
Romans 10:17 – Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ
Look at this...Jesus took three people to see Jairus’ daughter, Peter, James and John. Peter – Rock/Stone/Tablets – the law, James – Jacob, meaning surplanter or superseded, John – meaning grace. The Law is Superseded by Grace. Not through our effort.
The only way to God is through Jesus Christ.
There are three things that help us to receive from God from this story...
Jesus puts away the mourning and the unbelief. ‘Little girl I say to you arise’. God’s word will penetrate anything that has no life…even death, our difficult situations that seem impenetrable. He will create life in death.
Jesus put away the unbelieving
Jairus came to Jesus in ‘faith’. Jesus told him to keep believing despite the situation he was facing. As a church we need to keep believing.
There are facts and there is truth. The fact was the girl was dead. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. He brought life where there was death.
We can face the facts in our lives and yet we can still grow in faith. Fact = the current economy squeeze. The truth = My God is my provider! He is my redeemer, he turns things around. He takes a ‘mess’ and redeems it and makes it a ‘message’!
Let us keep ourselves in a state of believing.
Jesus put away the mockers
They went from crying to laughing and scorning.
Don’t sit in the seat of the scornful. They’re always sat at the sides, full of cynicism – unfruitful. They don’t see many miracles.
Have a pure spirit - let Heaven invade our lives.
Believe in people...put away that mocking spirit. Become like little children, experience the wonder and amazement of God again.
Jesus put away the mournful
Our emotions can rob us of that state of believing. We can always see things from a bleak and negative viewpoint. Our glass is always half empty.
Our nature in Christ should say, ‘isn’t it great what God is doing!’
Know that the answer is in Jesus Christ. Focus on Him, his redeeming power, his healing power.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Following Life and all of His Friends
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Spoke in church this morning...A line from a recent Coldplay song from album Viva La Vida, Death and all of his friends - I don’t wanna follow death and all of his friends!
Today I want us to look at the kind life that Jesus is offering us.
Even before Jesus came to earth...God’s people were given the choice of the kind of life they could choose.
Deuteronomy 30:19 - This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live
Don’t follow death and all of his friends!
Jesus said…
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!
What is the characteristic of a thief? He comes when we least suspect...when we are least prepared.
Their special mission is to rob you of God’s blessings in your life! The thief comes to destroy the peace, victory, confidence and success of a life lived in God’s abundance. These thieves are real and deadly to us!
FRIENDS OF DEATH…
Resentment – Bitterness
When we are offended or disappointed by others and allow the hurt to germinate in our hearts, bitterness and resentment will take root. Characterised by an unforgiving spirit. Generally negative, critical attitudes, bitterness and resentment are self-defeating. They will colour our thoughts and actions.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you
Revenge – settling of scores
“I don't want a cycle of recycled revenge”
Romans 12:19-21, Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Revenge is taking matters into our own hands – forgiveness is releasing other from our judgement into the hands of the living God.
Regret – ‘what if’, disappointment, disillusionment
Living in regret allows yesterday to control your today – the past dominates the present and cause you to fear the future.
“If only. Those must be the two saddest words in the world.”
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
A result of regret and disillusionment is apathy or inertia. We feel trapped in a place of never seeming to be getting anywhere. Despondent, dejected...at times feeling useless and ineffective. The thief of Inertia!
Resentment, Revenge, Regret – they leave us stuck in a place we don’t want to be in. It’s time to ‘take them off’, get rid of them! To let God rescue us from those things! Make our escape!
Follow ‘Life’ and all of His friends! Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the LIFE’
Friends of LIFE
Repentance
Repentance is an incredible word. It’s a scary sounding word and it’s a misused word. Repentance is a powerful, transformational.
Mark 1:15 - Jesus said, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Jesus encourages us to turn away from the bad news...and turn to the good news, that God’s grace covers all our sin. True repentance is less about what you turn away from and more about what you turn to. It’s more about WHO you turn to!
Another friend of LIFE…
Today I want us to look at the kind life that Jesus is offering us.
Even before Jesus came to earth...God’s people were given the choice of the kind of life they could choose.
Deuteronomy 30:19 - This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live
Don’t follow death and all of his friends!
Jesus said…
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!
What is the characteristic of a thief? He comes when we least suspect...when we are least prepared.
Their special mission is to rob you of God’s blessings in your life! The thief comes to destroy the peace, victory, confidence and success of a life lived in God’s abundance. These thieves are real and deadly to us!
FRIENDS OF DEATH…
Resentment – Bitterness
When we are offended or disappointed by others and allow the hurt to germinate in our hearts, bitterness and resentment will take root. Characterised by an unforgiving spirit. Generally negative, critical attitudes, bitterness and resentment are self-defeating. They will colour our thoughts and actions.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you
Revenge – settling of scores
“I don't want a cycle of recycled revenge”
Romans 12:19-21, Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Revenge is taking matters into our own hands – forgiveness is releasing other from our judgement into the hands of the living God.
Regret – ‘what if’, disappointment, disillusionment
Living in regret allows yesterday to control your today – the past dominates the present and cause you to fear the future.
“If only. Those must be the two saddest words in the world.”
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
A result of regret and disillusionment is apathy or inertia. We feel trapped in a place of never seeming to be getting anywhere. Despondent, dejected...at times feeling useless and ineffective. The thief of Inertia!
Resentment, Revenge, Regret – they leave us stuck in a place we don’t want to be in. It’s time to ‘take them off’, get rid of them! To let God rescue us from those things! Make our escape!
Follow ‘Life’ and all of His friends! Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the LIFE’
Friends of LIFE
Repentance
Repentance is an incredible word. It’s a scary sounding word and it’s a misused word. Repentance is a powerful, transformational.
Mark 1:15 - Jesus said, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Jesus encourages us to turn away from the bad news...and turn to the good news, that God’s grace covers all our sin. True repentance is less about what you turn away from and more about what you turn to. It’s more about WHO you turn to!
Another friend of LIFE…
Renewal – change your thinking!
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.’
Let us believe the Truth contained in God’s Word and to live in the victory of God’s promises. If I’m not careful I can allow myself to live according to who I think I am and yet it is so liberating to live according to who God says I am.
Guard your hearts and 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.
Another Friend of LIFE...
Rejoicing – power of praise!
Paul throughout his life emphasised the positive. He practised the praise principle. Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
(1) Practice giving thanks in every circumstance for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
(2) Surround yourself with positive people
When you are surrounded by positive people you can turn obstacles into opportunities. Paul surrounded himself with a team of positive people.
Finally...
Those who follow Life and all of His friends...is a Life-Giver! Jesus the Life-Giver.
As we receive this abundance of life...be a friend to it and “Give it away!”
Our desire is to be a ‘life-giving church’
2 Corinthians 3:6 ‘He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life’
1 Corinthians 15:45 ‘So it is written: The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
1 John 4:17 ‘As He is - so are we in this world’
Give life to those around you - set the tone for life! Let us follow Jesus, his example, follow his friends...of repentance, renewal and rejoicing. AND as he lifts our lives…let us lift the lives of others. Give LIFE to those around you.
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.’
Let us believe the Truth contained in God’s Word and to live in the victory of God’s promises. If I’m not careful I can allow myself to live according to who I think I am and yet it is so liberating to live according to who God says I am.
Guard your hearts and 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.
Another Friend of LIFE...
Rejoicing – power of praise!
Paul throughout his life emphasised the positive. He practised the praise principle. Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
(1) Practice giving thanks in every circumstance for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
(2) Surround yourself with positive people
When you are surrounded by positive people you can turn obstacles into opportunities. Paul surrounded himself with a team of positive people.
Finally...
Those who follow Life and all of His friends...is a Life-Giver! Jesus the Life-Giver.
As we receive this abundance of life...be a friend to it and “Give it away!”
Our desire is to be a ‘life-giving church’
2 Corinthians 3:6 ‘He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life’
1 Corinthians 15:45 ‘So it is written: The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
1 John 4:17 ‘As He is - so are we in this world’
Give life to those around you - set the tone for life! Let us follow Jesus, his example, follow his friends...of repentance, renewal and rejoicing. AND as he lifts our lives…let us lift the lives of others. Give LIFE to those around you.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
One Prayer IV
Paul Benger finished off our One Prayer series in church today. An excellent message entitled ‘God make us believe the Gospel’.
God’s heart is to win the world...to redeem the world, not to condemn and to punish. We see the world in the state it is in today because it is a fallen world...repressive regimes, rising prices, failing economies.
The Gospel is good news and lifts the lives of people. Where there is a way God will find them through you and me. Jesus prayed, ‘Your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’.
God sent his son Jesus...He is the answer to poverty, to sickness!
Romans 1:16 – I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes
I’m not ashamed of the good news of the Gospel. The Gospel is good news and not bad news!
The Gospel is Good News because of how lost we were
Colossians 2:13 – You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
Our world is not the way it ought to be...not the way it was meant to be! We live in a fallen world. The Gospel is good news when we realise how lost we are until we know Jesus.
We owed a debt we couldn’t pay...Jesus paid it. The price he paid was worth it even just for our individual debt as much as the collective debt of the whole world.
When we realise what God has done it causes us to worship him...to sing like never before!
In the Gospel of Luke it tells of the time a women anointed Jesus feet with expensive perfume. Some questioned her inappropriate behaviour, and yet Jesus was happy for her to do this. Jesus said this, ‘Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved much’. She loves much because she has been forgiven much.
The Gospel is Good News because it is a Gift from God
Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God
The only way we can receive this gift is through faith. Faith is the currency of Heaven. God had to give us that gift so that we could believe. We couldn’t pay for it, we couldn’t earn it!
Salvation through Jesus Christ is an abundant life right here and now. It’s the abundance of grace that helps us walk with God in any situation.
Isaiah 53:4-5 – Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We need a revelation of the Gospel...the church needs a fresh revelation of the Gospel today!
This Gospel is Good News because it is ‘news’ and not ‘advice’
This news of the Gospel has been given to us, it’s already been done...we just need to respond to it.
We are heralds of this good news...not military advisors! We can now live in the peace of this message. He has done it all...finished...the price has been paid in full!
Hebrews 10:12,14 – But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God...For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Jesus has won...the victory is ours! We now live for him out of joy not duty.
The Gospel is Good News because of our New Position
Ephesians 2:4-6 – But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Our primary address...seated in heavenly places with Jesus! Our condition reflects our position in Christ. Live from that place.
We are ministering reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 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
This is what we’re called to do...to bring hope, to lift the lives of people. This is our message today...reconciling people to God. This the good news of the Gospel!
When we realise what God has done in our lives it causes us to cry out to Him in worship. We honour Him and lift Him high!
God’s heart is to win the world...to redeem the world, not to condemn and to punish. We see the world in the state it is in today because it is a fallen world...repressive regimes, rising prices, failing economies.
The Gospel is good news and lifts the lives of people. Where there is a way God will find them through you and me. Jesus prayed, ‘Your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’.
God sent his son Jesus...He is the answer to poverty, to sickness!
Romans 1:16 – I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes
I’m not ashamed of the good news of the Gospel. The Gospel is good news and not bad news!
The Gospel is Good News because of how lost we were
Colossians 2:13 – You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
Our world is not the way it ought to be...not the way it was meant to be! We live in a fallen world. The Gospel is good news when we realise how lost we are until we know Jesus.
We owed a debt we couldn’t pay...Jesus paid it. The price he paid was worth it even just for our individual debt as much as the collective debt of the whole world.
When we realise what God has done it causes us to worship him...to sing like never before!
In the Gospel of Luke it tells of the time a women anointed Jesus feet with expensive perfume. Some questioned her inappropriate behaviour, and yet Jesus was happy for her to do this. Jesus said this, ‘Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved much’. She loves much because she has been forgiven much.
The Gospel is Good News because it is a Gift from God
Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God
The only way we can receive this gift is through faith. Faith is the currency of Heaven. God had to give us that gift so that we could believe. We couldn’t pay for it, we couldn’t earn it!
Salvation through Jesus Christ is an abundant life right here and now. It’s the abundance of grace that helps us walk with God in any situation.
Isaiah 53:4-5 – Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We need a revelation of the Gospel...the church needs a fresh revelation of the Gospel today!
This Gospel is Good News because it is ‘news’ and not ‘advice’
This news of the Gospel has been given to us, it’s already been done...we just need to respond to it.
We are heralds of this good news...not military advisors! We can now live in the peace of this message. He has done it all...finished...the price has been paid in full!
Hebrews 10:12,14 – But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God...For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Jesus has won...the victory is ours! We now live for him out of joy not duty.
The Gospel is Good News because of our New Position
Ephesians 2:4-6 – But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Our primary address...seated in heavenly places with Jesus! Our condition reflects our position in Christ. Live from that place.
We are ministering reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 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
This is what we’re called to do...to bring hope, to lift the lives of people. This is our message today...reconciling people to God. This the good news of the Gospel!
When we realise what God has done in our lives it causes us to cry out to Him in worship. We honour Him and lift Him high!
Monday, June 23, 2008
One Prayer III
Kevin Gerald continued our One Prayer series in church yesterday. A great message entitled ‘God make us Unreal’.
People often say ‘I’m just being real’ or ‘It’s the way I am’. What if our ‘real’ is rude or selfish is arrogant or moody, or full of pride?
Do we want to be ‘real’ or do we want to be Christ-like?
We need a new way of thinking today. Don’t be true to yourself...deny yourself. Self can get in the way...it can mess things up. Being real can get in the way of God’s plan for you...his purposes.
We need to aim for God’s mark and high calling. He wants the best for us. Free us up from being real...the limitations of our ‘self’.
Ephesians 4:22 – You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires
1) There’s a new and better me than the natural me
Being ‘real’ is overrated. Where is ‘being real’ getting people today in society?
People get on ‘trains of thought’ and end up travelling to a place they didn’t really want to go. They jump on the first train leaving the station. Our first thought is often not normally the best thought.
Stay in the train station a little longer and wait for a better train of thought!
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
Isaiah 55:8 – For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD
Ephesians 4:23 – to be made new in the attitude of your minds (Amplified Version) – And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude
2) This new and better me is the new me created by God
Ephesians 4:24 – and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness
God has called us to ‘put off’...and to ‘put on’. God make us unreal! Fake it ‘til you make it! People often hate that kind of unreality and yet we do have the choice to choose between two kinds of people we’re going to be like...the old you or the new creation. In the plan and purposes of God there is a new and better you!
It’s the authentic me that God has called me to be. Authenticity is a ‘put on’...but make it God’s authenticity.
We need to embrace a new language...a language of faith. It may not form easily in our mouths, but we are called to our ‘new self’.
3) Becoming the new and better me includes the process called authentic imitation
To be Christ-like, to imitate him.
Galatians 4:19 – My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you
Don’t be true to the natural way of doing things, be Christ-like...imitate his nature and character.
Become a champion, put on a new self...develop better habits in your life. New and better habits will release a new and better life. Get rid of the worrying habit and put on the trusting habit. Put on an encouraging habit and get rid of the complaining habit.
Let Christ be formed in you in a brand new way. Don’t be real if being real is negative...be unreal. God make me unreal!
People often say ‘I’m just being real’ or ‘It’s the way I am’. What if our ‘real’ is rude or selfish is arrogant or moody, or full of pride?
Do we want to be ‘real’ or do we want to be Christ-like?
We need a new way of thinking today. Don’t be true to yourself...deny yourself. Self can get in the way...it can mess things up. Being real can get in the way of God’s plan for you...his purposes.
We need to aim for God’s mark and high calling. He wants the best for us. Free us up from being real...the limitations of our ‘self’.
Ephesians 4:22 – You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires
1) There’s a new and better me than the natural me
Being ‘real’ is overrated. Where is ‘being real’ getting people today in society?
People get on ‘trains of thought’ and end up travelling to a place they didn’t really want to go. They jump on the first train leaving the station. Our first thought is often not normally the best thought.
Stay in the train station a little longer and wait for a better train of thought!
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
Isaiah 55:8 – For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD
Ephesians 4:23 – to be made new in the attitude of your minds (Amplified Version) – And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude
2) This new and better me is the new me created by God
Ephesians 4:24 – and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness
God has called us to ‘put off’...and to ‘put on’. God make us unreal! Fake it ‘til you make it! People often hate that kind of unreality and yet we do have the choice to choose between two kinds of people we’re going to be like...the old you or the new creation. In the plan and purposes of God there is a new and better you!
It’s the authentic me that God has called me to be. Authenticity is a ‘put on’...but make it God’s authenticity.
We need to embrace a new language...a language of faith. It may not form easily in our mouths, but we are called to our ‘new self’.
3) Becoming the new and better me includes the process called authentic imitation
To be Christ-like, to imitate him.
Galatians 4:19 – My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you
Don’t be true to the natural way of doing things, be Christ-like...imitate his nature and character.
Become a champion, put on a new self...develop better habits in your life. New and better habits will release a new and better life. Get rid of the worrying habit and put on the trusting habit. Put on an encouraging habit and get rid of the complaining habit.
Let Christ be formed in you in a brand new way. Don’t be real if being real is negative...be unreal. God make me unreal!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
One Prayer II
We continued our ‘one prayer’ series this morning in church. Greg Surratt brought a great message. His one prayer was ‘God make us obedient’.
We live in a society that suffers from selfishness or self-will. We often find it difficult to obey. We want to obey but there is always something pulling us in a different direction. Obedience is a testing time.
Luke 5:1-11
After Jesus had finished teaching the people he told Peter to go fishing again. Peter could have told Jesus that this was the wrong time to fish. They had fished all night, the correct time to fish, but had caught nothing.
Peter’s attitude was this, ‘Because you say so...I will let down my nets’. They went on to catch many fish.
Greg went on to share with us a great sentence, ‘In God’s relentless pursuit of us…’
Peter was not pursuing God...God was pursuing him. Jesus was pursuing something in Peter that nobody wanted. Jesus was calling fishermen, not brightest people around at that time.
He saw something in Peter that no one else had seen. He saw what he could be and not what he was. Peter blew it on so many occasions and so do we. Yet God is still calling us to live for him, to follow him.
‘…He uses no fish moments…’
‘No fish moments’ are obedience moments for us with God. In a ‘no fish moment’ it’s easier for God to get our attention. We are more open to change...willing to obey God...to follow his lead.
What to do in ‘no fish moments’...
Review what God has done. He has done so much for you!
Remind yourself of what God can do. Look at the promises in his word. ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!’
Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Remember that God doesn’t waste a season
‘…to lead us to “Because you say so” obedience…’
Think of examples when we are reluctant or find it hard to obey God’s commands. It’s time to take on the ‘Because you say so’ obedience.
‘…resulting in boat-sinking moments…’
We will experience the miracle catch when we have this obedient attitude. Let us not give grudging obedience to God.
Just see what God will do...a boat-sinking miracle!
Peter went on to leave his nets and follow Jesus. ‘Because you say so’ obedience leads us on to ‘boat sinking moments’. This determines and shapes our destiny forever!
Ephesians 3:20-21 – 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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
We live in a society that suffers from selfishness or self-will. We often find it difficult to obey. We want to obey but there is always something pulling us in a different direction. Obedience is a testing time.
Luke 5:1-11
After Jesus had finished teaching the people he told Peter to go fishing again. Peter could have told Jesus that this was the wrong time to fish. They had fished all night, the correct time to fish, but had caught nothing.
Peter’s attitude was this, ‘Because you say so...I will let down my nets’. They went on to catch many fish.
Greg went on to share with us a great sentence, ‘In God’s relentless pursuit of us…’
Peter was not pursuing God...God was pursuing him. Jesus was pursuing something in Peter that nobody wanted. Jesus was calling fishermen, not brightest people around at that time.
He saw something in Peter that no one else had seen. He saw what he could be and not what he was. Peter blew it on so many occasions and so do we. Yet God is still calling us to live for him, to follow him.
‘…He uses no fish moments…’
‘No fish moments’ are obedience moments for us with God. In a ‘no fish moment’ it’s easier for God to get our attention. We are more open to change...willing to obey God...to follow his lead.
What to do in ‘no fish moments’...
Review what God has done. He has done so much for you!
Remind yourself of what God can do. Look at the promises in his word. ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!’
Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Remember that God doesn’t waste a season
‘…to lead us to “Because you say so” obedience…’
Think of examples when we are reluctant or find it hard to obey God’s commands. It’s time to take on the ‘Because you say so’ obedience.
‘…resulting in boat-sinking moments…’
We will experience the miracle catch when we have this obedient attitude. Let us not give grudging obedience to God.
Just see what God will do...a boat-sinking miracle!
Peter went on to leave his nets and follow Jesus. ‘Because you say so’ obedience leads us on to ‘boat sinking moments’. This determines and shapes our destiny forever!
Ephesians 3:20-21 – 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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
One Prayer I
We began our ‘one prayer’ series this morning in church. If there was one prayer you could pray what would that be? Paul Benger began with the prayer ‘God make us Good Stewards’.
God has entrusted us with so much...people, relationships, finances, our church. Christian Life Church has been given to us on trust...to make her everything she can be!
We all have a responsibility to make this church the best she can be. God has entrusted us with gifts and talents. The Gospel, the good news has been given to us on trust. Be good stewards. Make me a good steward. Make us good stewards. We all need to pray that prayer. There is always room for improvement.
You are a person of great value. God has entrusted you to look after so many things. We need to find out the things that we need to do to develop and grow...to be fruitful.
Matthew 25:14-29
We come across 5 words in this passage that reveal the Master and also the nature of how the good steward serves. Well Done Good and Faithful Servant
These verses will help us today as we pray the prayer ‘God make us good stewards’
1) WELL – A commitment to excellence
The master never said ‘averagely done good and faithful servant’.
We’re not talking about attaining perfection. Being a good steward is doing the very best we can with what we have.
Give yourself to doing the very best for God. God will give us more, entrust us with more. Increase will come...it’s on it’s way!
2) DONE – A commitment to action
It’s all about action. Gifts were given according to their ability, as he knew they could cope with them.
The lazy servant didn’t do anything. The good steward fulfilled his ability. He had learned to do things according to his ability.
Don’t kill God’s vision for your life. Don’t bury it. Leap into action! Begin to do and believe that God is with you.
3 & 4) GOOD and FAITHFUL – A commitment to character
To do things right and to do it in the right way. What does God want from me? My personality and my gifting.
Having less isn’t pretence for not being a good steward.
5) SERVANT – A commitment to live for Christ
When we serve Christ, when we honour him with what he has given us, we will get blessed from the fall-out!
Malachi says we won’t be able to contain the blessing! The room won’t be big enough...we’ll need a bigger room! As we are faithful we will know this uncontainable blessing!
The servant spirit is looking for the Masters happiness. We’re serving the Kingdom. Everything about me is living for Him and for his Kingdom!
God has entrusted us with so much...people, relationships, finances, our church. Christian Life Church has been given to us on trust...to make her everything she can be!
We all have a responsibility to make this church the best she can be. God has entrusted us with gifts and talents. The Gospel, the good news has been given to us on trust. Be good stewards. Make me a good steward. Make us good stewards. We all need to pray that prayer. There is always room for improvement.
You are a person of great value. God has entrusted you to look after so many things. We need to find out the things that we need to do to develop and grow...to be fruitful.
Matthew 25:14-29
We come across 5 words in this passage that reveal the Master and also the nature of how the good steward serves. Well Done Good and Faithful Servant
These verses will help us today as we pray the prayer ‘God make us good stewards’
1) WELL – A commitment to excellence
The master never said ‘averagely done good and faithful servant’.
We’re not talking about attaining perfection. Being a good steward is doing the very best we can with what we have.
Give yourself to doing the very best for God. God will give us more, entrust us with more. Increase will come...it’s on it’s way!
2) DONE – A commitment to action
It’s all about action. Gifts were given according to their ability, as he knew they could cope with them.
The lazy servant didn’t do anything. The good steward fulfilled his ability. He had learned to do things according to his ability.
Don’t kill God’s vision for your life. Don’t bury it. Leap into action! Begin to do and believe that God is with you.
3 & 4) GOOD and FAITHFUL – A commitment to character
To do things right and to do it in the right way. What does God want from me? My personality and my gifting.
Having less isn’t pretence for not being a good steward.
5) SERVANT – A commitment to live for Christ
When we serve Christ, when we honour him with what he has given us, we will get blessed from the fall-out!
Malachi says we won’t be able to contain the blessing! The room won’t be big enough...we’ll need a bigger room! As we are faithful we will know this uncontainable blessing!
The servant spirit is looking for the Masters happiness. We’re serving the Kingdom. Everything about me is living for Him and for his Kingdom!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Strongholds
Jeannie Benger brought a great message in church this morning concerning strongholds.
What we think about ourselves or what other people think is not what’s important but what God thinks about us.
Isaiah 55:8-9 – For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts
God wants us to live with his thoughts about us. Have confidence in God and his plans for our lives.
Philippians 1:6 – being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
There is no half measure with God. He will bring it to completion!
People may have been negative to you in the past with comments like, ‘you’ll never make it’ – but with God this is not true, it’s not what he thinks about you. ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!’
Your thinking determines your outcome in life. Proverbs 23:7 - For as he thinks in his heart, so is he
You may have once thrived but became stunted - your thoughts may have changed to negative, defeatist, bitter thoughts. Opposite to what God thinks about you. Don’t let those thoughts consume you.
Hebrews 12:15 – See to it that no-one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
Bring every thought into captivity! Take the negative thought and take it captive before it takes root.
A stronghold starts with a thought. We need to keep our thinking in line with the word of God.
The four areas to watch out for in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5:
1) Thoughts
Take every thought and line it up with the word of God. Don’t let your thoughts run free. ‘It’s easier to pull a weed out of the garden when it is still small’. Pluck it out before it takes root.
2) High Things
The high things that are against the knowledge of God. They constantly preoccupy your mind...it’s the only thing we think about! It might be a negative spoken to us, a fear, a magnified perspective...these things become the ‘high things’.
3) Arguments
These thoughts progress into arguments, no longer just in your mind – you make an argument out of it!
4) Strongholds
Is what it implies...something that has taken a strong hold of you. When wrong thoughts become strongholds they take root.
The kind of strongholds we may have in our life...
Guilt
We beat ourselves up...about our past about the times we stuffed up. Jesus has nailed our weaknesses to the cross. He has not finished with us! As Christians we are never meant to carry our guilt...Jesus has taken this way!
Comparison
The ‘if only’ stronghold! Always thinking it could be better...the wrong perception that things are better on the other side! It’s not good to compare.
Negativity
The verbalisation of a defeat. This is the most limiting factor for so many people. Don’t let it have such a controlling impact on our lives…know you have a God given destiny. Spend a few moments listening to yourself speak, hear what you say sometimes.
We often think the worst is going to happen. Negativity will trap you and hold you down. It can cause us to miss out on God’s exciting plan for our lives.
Limitation
Do you live with limitation in your life? We can live with the ‘you’ll never make it’ thinking all our lives.
There are ways that helps us to overcome these strongholds…
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will
We can see God’s will for our lives if we allow our minds to be renewed, to change our thinking.
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
The way we think effects our attitude and moods. We need to turn our thoughts to the way that God thinks about us.
With negativity, the change begins in you. Psalm 19:7 – The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple
His word transforms your soul. Change that starts on the inside. How you look at yourself and the future.
External change is a reflection of what’s happening on the inside…as we allow a new way of thinking.
Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well
Live from this position of blessing in God!
What we think about ourselves or what other people think is not what’s important but what God thinks about us.
Isaiah 55:8-9 – For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts
God wants us to live with his thoughts about us. Have confidence in God and his plans for our lives.
Philippians 1:6 – being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
There is no half measure with God. He will bring it to completion!
People may have been negative to you in the past with comments like, ‘you’ll never make it’ – but with God this is not true, it’s not what he thinks about you. ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!’
Your thinking determines your outcome in life. Proverbs 23:7 - For as he thinks in his heart, so is he
You may have once thrived but became stunted - your thoughts may have changed to negative, defeatist, bitter thoughts. Opposite to what God thinks about you. Don’t let those thoughts consume you.
Hebrews 12:15 – See to it that no-one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
Bring every thought into captivity! Take the negative thought and take it captive before it takes root.
A stronghold starts with a thought. We need to keep our thinking in line with the word of God.
The four areas to watch out for in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5:
1) Thoughts
Take every thought and line it up with the word of God. Don’t let your thoughts run free. ‘It’s easier to pull a weed out of the garden when it is still small’. Pluck it out before it takes root.
2) High Things
The high things that are against the knowledge of God. They constantly preoccupy your mind...it’s the only thing we think about! It might be a negative spoken to us, a fear, a magnified perspective...these things become the ‘high things’.
3) Arguments
These thoughts progress into arguments, no longer just in your mind – you make an argument out of it!
4) Strongholds
Is what it implies...something that has taken a strong hold of you. When wrong thoughts become strongholds they take root.
The kind of strongholds we may have in our life...
Guilt
We beat ourselves up...about our past about the times we stuffed up. Jesus has nailed our weaknesses to the cross. He has not finished with us! As Christians we are never meant to carry our guilt...Jesus has taken this way!
Comparison
The ‘if only’ stronghold! Always thinking it could be better...the wrong perception that things are better on the other side! It’s not good to compare.
Negativity
The verbalisation of a defeat. This is the most limiting factor for so many people. Don’t let it have such a controlling impact on our lives…know you have a God given destiny. Spend a few moments listening to yourself speak, hear what you say sometimes.
We often think the worst is going to happen. Negativity will trap you and hold you down. It can cause us to miss out on God’s exciting plan for our lives.
Limitation
Do you live with limitation in your life? We can live with the ‘you’ll never make it’ thinking all our lives.
There are ways that helps us to overcome these strongholds…
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will
We can see God’s will for our lives if we allow our minds to be renewed, to change our thinking.
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
The way we think effects our attitude and moods. We need to turn our thoughts to the way that God thinks about us.
With negativity, the change begins in you. Psalm 19:7 – The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple
His word transforms your soul. Change that starts on the inside. How you look at yourself and the future.
External change is a reflection of what’s happening on the inside…as we allow a new way of thinking.
Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well
Live from this position of blessing in God!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Jonah II
A great finale to our two-part series about the life of Jonah. Paul Benger spoke about having a healthy attitude.
Jonah thinks he can run away from God...but he can’t. Psalm 139:8 – If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there
Jonah’s mid-term revival doesn’t change his final days. He never really changed his attitude.
God uses a rebellious man to reach a rebellious people. A man who had the very same issues in his own heart.
God doesn’t just want obedience from us he wants transformation.
Jonah 2:2 – In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry
It’s not wrong to cry out for help when help is needed. God wants to rescue us.
Jonah 2:4 – I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again towards your holy temple.'
God answers us an delivers us as we cry out to him.
Jonah 2:7-9 – When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.
It’s not how we respond when we are in trouble but the crux here is how will we respond in blessing?
Deuteronomy 8:16-18 – He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
When we are comfortable, when there are no circumstances will we remember God?
It is God who keeps us in continual blessing everyday of our lives!
Jonah’s Attitude
He didn’t want to go to Ninevah. He even ended up in misery sat under a tree. Don’t sit in your misery. This is the worst thing we could do to shut out everything else and to lock ourselves away.
Even in Jonah’s anger and misery God showed his mercy in causing a vine to grow over him to shade him from the sun. But Jonah didn’t even tend to the vine, the blessing that God sent and the vine withered and died.
Tend the blessing that God brings, water it!
Attitude is one of the great keys in life. God wants us to know him and become like him. For the transformation of our lives to happen our attitude is so important.
How to have a healthy attitude
Proverbs 23:7 – the way you think inside is the real you.
The internal world determines our external world. Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life
‘Our attitude determines our altitude’...how far we go.
1) Educate your heart
3 John 1:2 - Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well
God wants us to do well, to flourish and be blessed! We need to have God’s attitudes in our lives, his character and love...to be transformed.
Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
God is for you...do you know that?!
2) Quiet your heart
Psalm 62:5 – Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him
Sometimes we’ve got to be quiet inside. We can often lose confidence in our hearts...but our expectation is from God alone. We have to believe in him, that he is with us whatever is happening.
Psalm 103:1 – Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name
Quiet your heart!
3) Anchor your heart
Hebrews 6:19 – We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain
Hope is our anchor. Hopelessness means we are drifting. Never get in that state...there is always hope with God.
Be anchored in hope. Be a hopeful people. Rise up in hope. God is for you, you will get through it!
4) Teach your heart to boast
Look at how great God is.
Psalm 34:2 – My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice
Boast in Christ! Know who you are in Him...know your place!
Jonah thinks he can run away from God...but he can’t. Psalm 139:8 – If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there
Jonah’s mid-term revival doesn’t change his final days. He never really changed his attitude.
God uses a rebellious man to reach a rebellious people. A man who had the very same issues in his own heart.
God doesn’t just want obedience from us he wants transformation.
Jonah 2:2 – In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry
It’s not wrong to cry out for help when help is needed. God wants to rescue us.
Jonah 2:4 – I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again towards your holy temple.'
God answers us an delivers us as we cry out to him.
Jonah 2:7-9 – When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.
It’s not how we respond when we are in trouble but the crux here is how will we respond in blessing?
Deuteronomy 8:16-18 – He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
When we are comfortable, when there are no circumstances will we remember God?
It is God who keeps us in continual blessing everyday of our lives!
Jonah’s Attitude
He didn’t want to go to Ninevah. He even ended up in misery sat under a tree. Don’t sit in your misery. This is the worst thing we could do to shut out everything else and to lock ourselves away.
Even in Jonah’s anger and misery God showed his mercy in causing a vine to grow over him to shade him from the sun. But Jonah didn’t even tend to the vine, the blessing that God sent and the vine withered and died.
Tend the blessing that God brings, water it!
Attitude is one of the great keys in life. God wants us to know him and become like him. For the transformation of our lives to happen our attitude is so important.
How to have a healthy attitude
Proverbs 23:7 – the way you think inside is the real you.
The internal world determines our external world. Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life
‘Our attitude determines our altitude’...how far we go.
1) Educate your heart
3 John 1:2 - Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well
God wants us to do well, to flourish and be blessed! We need to have God’s attitudes in our lives, his character and love...to be transformed.
Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
God is for you...do you know that?!
2) Quiet your heart
Psalm 62:5 – Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him
Sometimes we’ve got to be quiet inside. We can often lose confidence in our hearts...but our expectation is from God alone. We have to believe in him, that he is with us whatever is happening.
Psalm 103:1 – Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name
Quiet your heart!
3) Anchor your heart
Hebrews 6:19 – We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain
Hope is our anchor. Hopelessness means we are drifting. Never get in that state...there is always hope with God.
Be anchored in hope. Be a hopeful people. Rise up in hope. God is for you, you will get through it!
4) Teach your heart to boast
Look at how great God is.
Psalm 34:2 – My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice
Boast in Christ! Know who you are in Him...know your place!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Jonah I
Loved this first message in our two-part series about the life of Jonah. Paul Benger spoke about ‘choices’.
Jonah 1-4
One clear message that comes from the story of Jonah...God loves people.
Jonah, often known as the reluctant prophet, ends his life as miserable as it began.
How are you going to finish your life? What’s going on in me? A revival spirit? Whatever is happening in society you can still on fire for God and in revival!
The state of Britain does not determine what is happening in me. Externals do not matter.
Have we determined how we will finish our days? Do we suffer from Monday morning blues or do recognise that ‘this is the day the Lord has made!’?
Choices
How do we make great choices? There’s a competition for our decision.
We can choose God’s wisdom our own or someone else’s. The power of choice is a great gift to us.
Jonah 1:3 – But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD
Jonah had a choice when the word of God came to him. He chose to run away. Have you ever ended up in the wrong place?
There’s always a boat going in the wrong direction
But the wisdom of God is always available to us– to go in the right direction. There is also always the Holy Spirit.
John 16:13 - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Society is used to the quick fix mentality. We need to remember that God is a builder. He leads us through the process. God births things when they’ve reached full-term, when they’re ready.
There is the ‘suddenly’ of God but we never know when the suddenly will come.
God has given us the power of choice
Deuteronomy 30:19 – This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live
Choose LIFE, the right path. God doesn’t lead us into a place that doesn’t ultimately produce LIFE.
Jonah ended life the way he started. Ninevah chose LIFE, they repented and changed. The wicked ended up in revival! Jonah ended up depressed even after his mid-term transformation.
The things they tell us that determines our choices...
Genetics – they’re not an excuse for your choices. Let us live our lives the way God wants us.
Experiences – can shape our choices.
People around you – your environment. This is why it is important to be plugged into a good church. Where we are accepted and loved. A place of fun and transformation, a place where we can grow.
What you tell you – Not what others tell you.
Things that help us make great choices...
Settle the big issue
Jonah 2:9 – But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD
Make our mind up to worship God, to give our lives to him. Offer up everything.
Romans 12:1-2 – 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. 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.
Think differently about you
Jonah 4:3 – Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live
Jonah 4:8 – When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, It would be better for me to die than to live
What do you think about you?
Psalm 139:13 – For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. He knew me and shaped me. Fearfully and wonderfully made!
Psalm 139:16 – your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be
God is involved in every day of my life. You’re changing, being transformed. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Romans 5:17 – Reign in life!
My postcode is not going to determine my life. I am a son, a daughter of the King – a prince!
Jonah 1-4
One clear message that comes from the story of Jonah...God loves people.
Jonah, often known as the reluctant prophet, ends his life as miserable as it began.
How are you going to finish your life? What’s going on in me? A revival spirit? Whatever is happening in society you can still on fire for God and in revival!
The state of Britain does not determine what is happening in me. Externals do not matter.
Have we determined how we will finish our days? Do we suffer from Monday morning blues or do recognise that ‘this is the day the Lord has made!’?
Choices
How do we make great choices? There’s a competition for our decision.
We can choose God’s wisdom our own or someone else’s. The power of choice is a great gift to us.
Jonah 1:3 – But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD
Jonah had a choice when the word of God came to him. He chose to run away. Have you ever ended up in the wrong place?
There’s always a boat going in the wrong direction
But the wisdom of God is always available to us– to go in the right direction. There is also always the Holy Spirit.
John 16:13 - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Society is used to the quick fix mentality. We need to remember that God is a builder. He leads us through the process. God births things when they’ve reached full-term, when they’re ready.
There is the ‘suddenly’ of God but we never know when the suddenly will come.
God has given us the power of choice
Deuteronomy 30:19 – This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live
Choose LIFE, the right path. God doesn’t lead us into a place that doesn’t ultimately produce LIFE.
Jonah ended life the way he started. Ninevah chose LIFE, they repented and changed. The wicked ended up in revival! Jonah ended up depressed even after his mid-term transformation.
The things they tell us that determines our choices...
Genetics – they’re not an excuse for your choices. Let us live our lives the way God wants us.
Experiences – can shape our choices.
People around you – your environment. This is why it is important to be plugged into a good church. Where we are accepted and loved. A place of fun and transformation, a place where we can grow.
What you tell you – Not what others tell you.
Things that help us make great choices...
Settle the big issue
Jonah 2:9 – But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD
Make our mind up to worship God, to give our lives to him. Offer up everything.
Romans 12:1-2 – 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. 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.
Think differently about you
Jonah 4:3 – Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live
Jonah 4:8 – When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, It would be better for me to die than to live
What do you think about you?
Psalm 139:13 – For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. He knew me and shaped me. Fearfully and wonderfully made!
Psalm 139:16 – your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be
God is involved in every day of my life. You’re changing, being transformed. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Romans 5:17 – Reign in life!
My postcode is not going to determine my life. I am a son, a daughter of the King – a prince!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Champion Church
Simon Wood brought a great message on Sunday about the fact that we are part of a champion church!
Matthew 16:18 – And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it
The church...stronger than anything else on the earth!
Ephesians 1:21-23 – far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills everything in every way.
God is for you. As champions we are to reach our community. Just by being and doing church will break strongholds and bring about revival.
He has given us every tool that we need to take his glory into every place where we go.
Champion people encourage one another
Joshua 6:2 – Then the LORD said to Joshua, See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men
God is our great encourager. God promises Joshua that the city of Jericho will be taken. This is God’s promise to us also. God wants to bring us back to that place of victory. Whatever we face in life he will bring us back to that place. Don’t ever settle but press on. Run to win.
Champion people don’t go for second place
God wants us to take up the challenge of winning our town. We need to stay together, connected, encouraging one another.
Champion people remember what God has done for them
Joshua 4:1-3 – When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua ‘Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight’.
Remember the great things God has done for us – the stories – God’s blessing in our lives.
Champion people reach out to the lost, to those in need
Jericho was a well fortified city. The People were trapped, imprisoned. No one was going out and no one was coming in.
We see people around us trapped and imprisoned – we’re going to see people break free, break down the walls!
As champions we need to be reaching out to the lost, to those in need. Champions break down the walls and bring about release.
We need to remember that the battle is God’s. The battle for Jericho was not Joshua’s but the Lord’s.
Champion people by faith take the Land
Miracles happen. As God asks us to do things, faith is needed – we take risks! We need to take a different spirit into our world. A spirit of hope and encouragement. Be that light on the hill.
Be champions wherever you are!
Matthew 16:18 – And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it
The church...stronger than anything else on the earth!
Ephesians 1:21-23 – far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills everything in every way.
God is for you. As champions we are to reach our community. Just by being and doing church will break strongholds and bring about revival.
He has given us every tool that we need to take his glory into every place where we go.
Champion people encourage one another
Joshua 6:2 – Then the LORD said to Joshua, See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men
God is our great encourager. God promises Joshua that the city of Jericho will be taken. This is God’s promise to us also. God wants to bring us back to that place of victory. Whatever we face in life he will bring us back to that place. Don’t ever settle but press on. Run to win.
Champion people don’t go for second place
God wants us to take up the challenge of winning our town. We need to stay together, connected, encouraging one another.
Champion people remember what God has done for them
Joshua 4:1-3 – When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua ‘Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight’.
Remember the great things God has done for us – the stories – God’s blessing in our lives.
Champion people reach out to the lost, to those in need
Jericho was a well fortified city. The People were trapped, imprisoned. No one was going out and no one was coming in.
We see people around us trapped and imprisoned – we’re going to see people break free, break down the walls!
As champions we need to be reaching out to the lost, to those in need. Champions break down the walls and bring about release.
We need to remember that the battle is God’s. The battle for Jericho was not Joshua’s but the Lord’s.
Champion people by faith take the Land
Miracles happen. As God asks us to do things, faith is needed – we take risks! We need to take a different spirit into our world. A spirit of hope and encouragement. Be that light on the hill.
Be champions wherever you are!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
United We Stand
Jane Lloyd spoke a great message in church on Sunday entitled 'United We Stand'.
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
I believe that together we can do amazing things. God never meant for us to be alone
Genesis 2:18-24
God created us for relationship: firstly with him, secondly with one another.
Don’t choose to be alone – you won’t flourish and thrive. Get connected!
Ephesians 4:16 - He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
How can we achieve this great picture of the church? Unity is a key principle.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
These verses clearly show us that a strength comes when we stand together.
We see many examples in our world, of situations where teamwork is the key to success. The flip side of that is when disunity creeps in and cracks start to appear.
The entire concept of church is based on teamwork – one of the first things Jesus did when he started his ministry was to gather together a team of disciples around him.
Philippians 2:2 - “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, And working together with one mind and purpose.”
We as the church should be united around a mutual love and passion for God and a passion to see his purposes fulfilled.
Stepping up to the plate means that we need to become active in the church – those who get connected usually stay connected. One of the best ways of doing that is to offer to serve on a team. God has given us all different gifts and abilities and I believe there is a place for everyone to use them to help others and build God’s Kingdom.
How can we become a great team?
1) Encourage one another
We need to be careful not to criticise each other but rather encourage one another. Encouragement is defined by the words we speak.
Proverbs 18:21 - “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences”
No one has ever motivated anyone into action through words of discouragement.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing
Encouraging words make a difference
Paul gave a good guideline when he wrote that everything we say should build up the one who is listening.
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen
Think positively. Look for things to encourage.
2) Support one another
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
As a team we should be there for each other. I find strength in the knowledge that if I go through a tough time there are people who I know will gather around me and help pick me up. God has given us a place where we can find support and love that can lift us. We need each other in times of need.
3) Be positive
God wants us to carry a life-giving spirit
1Corinthians 15:45 - “The scriptures tell us, ‘The first man, Adam, became a living person.’ But the last man Adam-that is Christ-is a life-giving spirit.”
Jesus = life-giving spirit
1 John 4:17 - encourages us to live like Jesus here in this world.
“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgement, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.”
Make sure that life-giving spirit carries over into every area of our lives because as we get more involved in community initiatives our attitude will be under the spotlight.
4) Be organised
Life is busy, and when you’re fully involved in church life it is brimming over!
If we want our teams to be successful, organisation is key.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
It’s important to remember that God is the other piece to this jigsaw. It goes without saying that he makes all the difference to our being together.
We all have talents and God has given us individual gifts to use to bless others and bless the church. We all have a part to play and good things happen in our lives as a result:
- We feel good about ourselves, improves our self-esteem
- We feel connected to the vision of the church
- God blesses our lives all the more
- We fulfil our God-given purpose in life
It’s an awesome thought that through being part of this body of Christ I can make a difference to somebody’s life. We as a church want to make a difference to many people’s lives through the ministries that are going to come out of us.
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
I believe that together we can do amazing things. God never meant for us to be alone
Genesis 2:18-24
God created us for relationship: firstly with him, secondly with one another.
Don’t choose to be alone – you won’t flourish and thrive. Get connected!
Ephesians 4:16 - He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
How can we achieve this great picture of the church? Unity is a key principle.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
These verses clearly show us that a strength comes when we stand together.
We see many examples in our world, of situations where teamwork is the key to success. The flip side of that is when disunity creeps in and cracks start to appear.
The entire concept of church is based on teamwork – one of the first things Jesus did when he started his ministry was to gather together a team of disciples around him.
Philippians 2:2 - “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, And working together with one mind and purpose.”
We as the church should be united around a mutual love and passion for God and a passion to see his purposes fulfilled.
Stepping up to the plate means that we need to become active in the church – those who get connected usually stay connected. One of the best ways of doing that is to offer to serve on a team. God has given us all different gifts and abilities and I believe there is a place for everyone to use them to help others and build God’s Kingdom.
How can we become a great team?
1) Encourage one another
We need to be careful not to criticise each other but rather encourage one another. Encouragement is defined by the words we speak.
Proverbs 18:21 - “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences”
No one has ever motivated anyone into action through words of discouragement.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing
Encouraging words make a difference
Paul gave a good guideline when he wrote that everything we say should build up the one who is listening.
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen
Think positively. Look for things to encourage.
2) Support one another
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
As a team we should be there for each other. I find strength in the knowledge that if I go through a tough time there are people who I know will gather around me and help pick me up. God has given us a place where we can find support and love that can lift us. We need each other in times of need.
3) Be positive
God wants us to carry a life-giving spirit
1Corinthians 15:45 - “The scriptures tell us, ‘The first man, Adam, became a living person.’ But the last man Adam-that is Christ-is a life-giving spirit.”
Jesus = life-giving spirit
1 John 4:17 - encourages us to live like Jesus here in this world.
“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgement, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.”
Make sure that life-giving spirit carries over into every area of our lives because as we get more involved in community initiatives our attitude will be under the spotlight.
4) Be organised
Life is busy, and when you’re fully involved in church life it is brimming over!
If we want our teams to be successful, organisation is key.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
It’s important to remember that God is the other piece to this jigsaw. It goes without saying that he makes all the difference to our being together.
We all have talents and God has given us individual gifts to use to bless others and bless the church. We all have a part to play and good things happen in our lives as a result:
- We feel good about ourselves, improves our self-esteem
- We feel connected to the vision of the church
- God blesses our lives all the more
- We fulfil our God-given purpose in life
It’s an awesome thought that through being part of this body of Christ I can make a difference to somebody’s life. We as a church want to make a difference to many people’s lives through the ministries that are going to come out of us.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Dangerous Church V
Yesterday Paul Benger brought the final chapter in our Dangerous Church series. He spoke a great message on ‘Prayer’.
Acts 2:42 – They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
People often come to prayer with the attitude; ‘we need to pray more’. But it’s not the amount of time we pray that’s important but the fact that we pray. The early church took every opportunity that came their way to pray.
I we are not careful we can become legalistic about prayer...it can become dutiful. Our whole life should be a life of prayer (pray without ceasing) – it is our interaction with God a relational thing that helps us to grow and to get to know him more. It should be a natural thing and not a religious thing.
When we interact with our wife or husband and kids we don’t schedule a specific time in our diary to do this!
We do have special times but our main avenue of prayer is our ongoing loving relationship with God.
Prayer is how bring about the will of God on the earth, Matthew 6:10 – Your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
As God’s people we should know what God’s will is any situation...prayer brings that about. God answers our prayers. We pray all kinds of prayers – some get answered, some not as we had wanted, and some are yet to be answered.
The early church...
WHEN THEY PRAYED
At the ‘time’ of prayer – Acts 3:1 'One day Peter and John were going to the temple at the time of prayer, at 3 in the afternoon’.
There are times when we need to pray (as a church), to pray through a specific situation. We ought to give ourselves to those times.
They prayed when they faced persecution – Acts 7:59 ‘As they were stoning him, Stephen prayed’. Acts 12:5 ‘So Peter was kept in prison and the church was earnestly praying for him’.
How do we respond when bad news comes? The early church prayed at difficult times because they knew the importance of those times together. As a church we need to be able to come together in prayer in those moments. To be a resilient people, a people of faith trusting God. Where care for one another and carry one another’s burdens.
When they met new believers – Acts 8:15 ‘As they arrived they prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit’.
Alone – Acts 9:11 ‘Go to…ask for a man named Saul, for he is praying’.
When they encountered great need – Acts 9:40 ‘Turning towards the dead woman, Peter said ‘Tabitha get up’’.
Some times we can be overwhelmed by a great need – we should pray. A Dangerous Church and dangerous Christians PRAY.
HOW THEY PRAYED
Together – Acts 4:24 ‘When they heard this they raised their voices together’
Where two or more people...There is power when we pray together!
By laying their hands on people – Acts 6:6 ‘They presented them to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them’.
By speaking to the problem – Acts 9:40 ‘Turning towards the dead woman Peter said, Tabitha GET UP’
Earnestly – Acts 12:5 ‘Peter was kept in prison and the church was earnestly praying for him’.
They prayed with passion – they were desperate for Peter’s release. We need to have enthusiasm about God and about the church. We can impart enthusiasm to one another – it rubs off!
WHAT THEY PRAYED
For Boldness – Acts 4:29 ‘consider their threats and enable you servants to speak your word with great boldness'.
Not being rude...but there is virtue in being bold.
For Healing – Acts 4:30 ‘Stretch out your hands to heal and perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus’.
For Leaders – Acts 6:6 'pray for labourers for the harvest field'.
For the in filling and empowering of the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:15 ‘they prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit’.
WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THEY PRAYED
People were filled with the Holy Spirit
The church gained the boldness they asked for
People had visions
People got up
Supernatural healings, signs and wonders took place
Acts 2:42 – They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
People often come to prayer with the attitude; ‘we need to pray more’. But it’s not the amount of time we pray that’s important but the fact that we pray. The early church took every opportunity that came their way to pray.
I we are not careful we can become legalistic about prayer...it can become dutiful. Our whole life should be a life of prayer (pray without ceasing) – it is our interaction with God a relational thing that helps us to grow and to get to know him more. It should be a natural thing and not a religious thing.
When we interact with our wife or husband and kids we don’t schedule a specific time in our diary to do this!
We do have special times but our main avenue of prayer is our ongoing loving relationship with God.
Prayer is how bring about the will of God on the earth, Matthew 6:10 – Your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
As God’s people we should know what God’s will is any situation...prayer brings that about. God answers our prayers. We pray all kinds of prayers – some get answered, some not as we had wanted, and some are yet to be answered.
The early church...
WHEN THEY PRAYED
At the ‘time’ of prayer – Acts 3:1 'One day Peter and John were going to the temple at the time of prayer, at 3 in the afternoon’.
There are times when we need to pray (as a church), to pray through a specific situation. We ought to give ourselves to those times.
They prayed when they faced persecution – Acts 7:59 ‘As they were stoning him, Stephen prayed’. Acts 12:5 ‘So Peter was kept in prison and the church was earnestly praying for him’.
How do we respond when bad news comes? The early church prayed at difficult times because they knew the importance of those times together. As a church we need to be able to come together in prayer in those moments. To be a resilient people, a people of faith trusting God. Where care for one another and carry one another’s burdens.
When they met new believers – Acts 8:15 ‘As they arrived they prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit’.
Alone – Acts 9:11 ‘Go to…ask for a man named Saul, for he is praying’.
When they encountered great need – Acts 9:40 ‘Turning towards the dead woman, Peter said ‘Tabitha get up’’.
Some times we can be overwhelmed by a great need – we should pray. A Dangerous Church and dangerous Christians PRAY.
HOW THEY PRAYED
Together – Acts 4:24 ‘When they heard this they raised their voices together’
Where two or more people...There is power when we pray together!
By laying their hands on people – Acts 6:6 ‘They presented them to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them’.
By speaking to the problem – Acts 9:40 ‘Turning towards the dead woman Peter said, Tabitha GET UP’
Earnestly – Acts 12:5 ‘Peter was kept in prison and the church was earnestly praying for him’.
They prayed with passion – they were desperate for Peter’s release. We need to have enthusiasm about God and about the church. We can impart enthusiasm to one another – it rubs off!
WHAT THEY PRAYED
For Boldness – Acts 4:29 ‘consider their threats and enable you servants to speak your word with great boldness'.
Not being rude...but there is virtue in being bold.
For Healing – Acts 4:30 ‘Stretch out your hands to heal and perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus’.
For Leaders – Acts 6:6 'pray for labourers for the harvest field'.
For the in filling and empowering of the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:15 ‘they prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit’.
WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THEY PRAYED
People were filled with the Holy Spirit
The church gained the boldness they asked for
People had visions
People got up
Supernatural healings, signs and wonders took place
Monday, April 21, 2008
Dangerous Church IV
This morning Paul Benger spoke an excellent message on the Breaking of Bread as part of our Dangerous Church series.
Acts 2:42-47 – They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.
The breaking of bread...what’s so special about this meal? The early church broke bread from house to house this was an important part of their meal together.
‘Seal the deal with the meal’ - Jesus had told them to do this in remembrance of me.
Matthew 26:26-28 – While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus was commencing a brand new covenant – the breaking of bread was a covenant meal.
Jesus completed the work he came to do...all we need to do is to receive it as a covenant relationship with God. A covenant is not a contract but a promise from God to you, not a two-way contract but a one-way covenant from God to you.
Hebrews 8:10 – This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
In this covenant relationship between God and us we can know...
The Promise of the Spirit
All the requirements of the covenant are met by God, we just partake in the meal.
He keeps his promise…the promise of the Holy Spirit. We can know the Spirit of God inside of us all of the time…a life by the Spirit and not by the law or the letter. Empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. Everyday dynamic. A relationship where anything could happen! He is not just living with us but in us.
Hebrews 8:12 – For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
God’s Pledge
God has cleansed us and made us whole, forgiven. Transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light!
Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Our Application is by Faith
There are many “I wills” from God the question is “will I?” We need to believe it and let him have his will in our life. Believe all that he’s done for us. We can even believe the evidence before things become evident! Faith as expressed in Hebrews 11:1.
We’re called to live a life of faith. Abraham had to trust God when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. God provided the sacrifice for Abraham. God has shown us the way through his only Son, Jesus Christ.
The breaking of bread...when we eat and drink in this way we are saying that this meal has sealed the deal!
We also are recognising that we have a covenant relationship with each other...we don’t break bread alone but together. One body, united...very powerful. Hebrews 8:10 – I will be their God and they will be my people.
We are here to...
Declare his glory – we have an opportunity where we live to declare his name, to make his name famous.
Establish his will – to pray ‘Your Kingdom come’. His will gets done through as we pray and bring in his will.
To be in fellowship and unity – Acts 2:1-2 “they were ALL together…one accord”
They devoted themselves...
There is more to you than you think! More that you can become and do in God.
John 1:12 – Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
This is true now but it is also on going! God gives us the power but we do the ‘becoming’.
God wants to tell us through this meal that he has paid the price. He has done it all so that we might become all that he has purposed for us. This is the promise on your life!
Acts 2:42-47 – They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.
The breaking of bread...what’s so special about this meal? The early church broke bread from house to house this was an important part of their meal together.
‘Seal the deal with the meal’ - Jesus had told them to do this in remembrance of me.
Matthew 26:26-28 – While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus was commencing a brand new covenant – the breaking of bread was a covenant meal.
Jesus completed the work he came to do...all we need to do is to receive it as a covenant relationship with God. A covenant is not a contract but a promise from God to you, not a two-way contract but a one-way covenant from God to you.
Hebrews 8:10 – This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
In this covenant relationship between God and us we can know...
The Promise of the Spirit
All the requirements of the covenant are met by God, we just partake in the meal.
He keeps his promise…the promise of the Holy Spirit. We can know the Spirit of God inside of us all of the time…a life by the Spirit and not by the law or the letter. Empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. Everyday dynamic. A relationship where anything could happen! He is not just living with us but in us.
Hebrews 8:12 – For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
God’s Pledge
God has cleansed us and made us whole, forgiven. Transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light!
Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Our Application is by Faith
There are many “I wills” from God the question is “will I?” We need to believe it and let him have his will in our life. Believe all that he’s done for us. We can even believe the evidence before things become evident! Faith as expressed in Hebrews 11:1.
We’re called to live a life of faith. Abraham had to trust God when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. God provided the sacrifice for Abraham. God has shown us the way through his only Son, Jesus Christ.
The breaking of bread...when we eat and drink in this way we are saying that this meal has sealed the deal!
We also are recognising that we have a covenant relationship with each other...we don’t break bread alone but together. One body, united...very powerful. Hebrews 8:10 – I will be their God and they will be my people.
We are here to...
Declare his glory – we have an opportunity where we live to declare his name, to make his name famous.
Establish his will – to pray ‘Your Kingdom come’. His will gets done through as we pray and bring in his will.
To be in fellowship and unity – Acts 2:1-2 “they were ALL together…one accord”
They devoted themselves...
There is more to you than you think! More that you can become and do in God.
John 1:12 – Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
This is true now but it is also on going! God gives us the power but we do the ‘becoming’.
God wants to tell us through this meal that he has paid the price. He has done it all so that we might become all that he has purposed for us. This is the promise on your life!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Dangerous Church III
I spoke the third message in our Dangerous Church series on Sunday morning. It was on the subject of ‘fellowship’.
From the beginning the early church never played it safe – they never took it easy. They were dangerous! When it comes to doing church we’ll be tempted to play it safe - not rock the boat or be controversial. That’s not God’s desire for us nor is it how the New Testament Church began.
A Dangerous church requires dangerous Christ followers. Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with Jesus.
How do we become a dangerous Christ follower? - One dangerous aspect of Church life is ‘fellowship’
Failure to thrive syndrome (FTT) – saw Romanian orphans on our TV Screens. Little physical contact with other humans and often died from a lack of human contact.
We need to understand that “failure to thrive syndrome” can happen in our lives spiritually...unable to grow in God. The key to avoiding this I believe is through fellowship.
Psalm 92:13 - planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish
All of us are called to play a role in fulfilling the vision/purpose of the church together. Each of us has a gift and a calling to be an effective part of that vision. It’s important to understand that when we get involved in serving we are not just serving in the house of God…we are serving one another.
I believe the greatest development of the nature of Christ in us, is through serving others. We throw away the self-centered lifestyle and lay down our lives for others. Jesus said that this is the key to discovering life.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Koinonia was used to describe a business partnership, a situation in which two or more people were committed to sharing in some common venture. To experience Koinonia meant participating in something intentionally and energetically. Koinonia meant to be a sharer, a companion, one who is a partaker, a participant in communion.
What can happen when we have true fellowship? Jesus said - “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
The effective Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. A Christian who lives a life away from other Christians will never grow without fellowship.
Fellowship is the basis for the power of God to be resident amongst us
Psalm 133
How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!
It’s like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron’s beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.
Harmony is vital. Anointing falls on unity. The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples in the Upper Room once they were all in one accord in one place.
Matthew 12:25 – “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand”
Fellowship is the basis for achieving the great purposes of God
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up
God has called us together, not apart!
Jesus tells us that the entirety of all that God requires of us hangs on these two commands: Love God, love your neighbour.
How does the New Testament guide us into these healthy relationships?
First, understand that God’s ways are not our ways. What we feel we should do instinctively is very often going to be the exact opposite of what God would do! We think getting angry with a person will change them when it can just make everything worse. We think reminding people of their wrongs will make them better it can make them hate you. We want revenge - God says, ‘forgive’.
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.’
The spirit we are to have towards each other is serving.
Galatians 5:13-14 - You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbour as yourself.
Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 - Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
When we function like a team, like an army, we will achieve the greatest results.
Leviticus 26:8 - Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you.
From the beginning the early church never played it safe – they never took it easy. They were dangerous! When it comes to doing church we’ll be tempted to play it safe - not rock the boat or be controversial. That’s not God’s desire for us nor is it how the New Testament Church began.
A Dangerous church requires dangerous Christ followers. Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with Jesus.
How do we become a dangerous Christ follower? - One dangerous aspect of Church life is ‘fellowship’
Failure to thrive syndrome (FTT) – saw Romanian orphans on our TV Screens. Little physical contact with other humans and often died from a lack of human contact.
We need to understand that “failure to thrive syndrome” can happen in our lives spiritually...unable to grow in God. The key to avoiding this I believe is through fellowship.
Psalm 92:13 - planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish
All of us are called to play a role in fulfilling the vision/purpose of the church together. Each of us has a gift and a calling to be an effective part of that vision. It’s important to understand that when we get involved in serving we are not just serving in the house of God…we are serving one another.
I believe the greatest development of the nature of Christ in us, is through serving others. We throw away the self-centered lifestyle and lay down our lives for others. Jesus said that this is the key to discovering life.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Koinonia was used to describe a business partnership, a situation in which two or more people were committed to sharing in some common venture. To experience Koinonia meant participating in something intentionally and energetically. Koinonia meant to be a sharer, a companion, one who is a partaker, a participant in communion.
What can happen when we have true fellowship? Jesus said - “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
The effective Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. A Christian who lives a life away from other Christians will never grow without fellowship.
Fellowship is the basis for the power of God to be resident amongst us
Psalm 133
How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!
It’s like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron’s beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.
Harmony is vital. Anointing falls on unity. The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples in the Upper Room once they were all in one accord in one place.
Matthew 12:25 – “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand”
Fellowship is the basis for achieving the great purposes of God
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up
God has called us together, not apart!
Jesus tells us that the entirety of all that God requires of us hangs on these two commands: Love God, love your neighbour.
How does the New Testament guide us into these healthy relationships?
First, understand that God’s ways are not our ways. What we feel we should do instinctively is very often going to be the exact opposite of what God would do! We think getting angry with a person will change them when it can just make everything worse. We think reminding people of their wrongs will make them better it can make them hate you. We want revenge - God says, ‘forgive’.
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.’
The spirit we are to have towards each other is serving.
Galatians 5:13-14 - You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbour as yourself.
Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 - Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
When we function like a team, like an army, we will achieve the greatest results.
Leviticus 26:8 - Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Dangerous Church II
Mark Wilkins continued our current series in church yesterday morning entitled ‘Dangerous Church’. He spoke an excellent message on the Apostles’ Teaching.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
What did the Apostles teach that made the church dangerous? Look back earlier in Acts 2:14-21.
1) That God has made Jesus Lord and Saviour of all. That in Jesus all the past prophesies are fulfilled. He alone saves.
2) That they were witnesses of Jesus of who he was and what he did. Acts 1:8; 1:22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39; 10:41. We can also realise who Jesus is and what he has done for us. We can have a living relationship with him.
3) That Jesus is to be exalted as Lord and Christ.
4) That the work of the Holy Spirit continued after Jesus had gone into Heaven. The Holy Spirit empowered and emboldened them, to be able to stand up and proclaim the good news.
5) That they needed to find repentance and the forgiveness of sin, that they could be free and receive God’s grace....this was their constant message.
6) That Jesus still heals today! A message of restoration, that people could find wholeness.
7) That there were needs to be met and the needy should be cared for (i.e. Community Action) The Apostles put food programs in place for the widows. There was practical action taking place all of the time.
8) The message of GRACE encapsulated everything they said and did.
Why were their teachings dangerous?
It challenged the dominant worldview (Caesar is Lord...the view of their day)
It challenged the local authorities (High Priest appointed to keep the peace)
It challenged the established religious authorities
It challenged business and economy (slavery, silver-smiths making idols)
What does all of this mean for us today?
God’s kingdom challenges the worldview of today. There are still places in our world where people are not free. Poverty, disease and crime challenged the church back then and still does today.
We still fight an enemy today who wants to enslave people. “The local church is the hope of the world”.
All across the world the church is seeing the release of captives...individual hearts and lives becoming free as the church proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ. Not just proclaiming good news but by being good news as well.
The message continues to be dangerous, tackling the issues of the day.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
What did the Apostles teach that made the church dangerous? Look back earlier in Acts 2:14-21.
1) That God has made Jesus Lord and Saviour of all. That in Jesus all the past prophesies are fulfilled. He alone saves.
2) That they were witnesses of Jesus of who he was and what he did. Acts 1:8; 1:22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39; 10:41. We can also realise who Jesus is and what he has done for us. We can have a living relationship with him.
3) That Jesus is to be exalted as Lord and Christ.
4) That the work of the Holy Spirit continued after Jesus had gone into Heaven. The Holy Spirit empowered and emboldened them, to be able to stand up and proclaim the good news.
5) That they needed to find repentance and the forgiveness of sin, that they could be free and receive God’s grace....this was their constant message.
6) That Jesus still heals today! A message of restoration, that people could find wholeness.
7) That there were needs to be met and the needy should be cared for (i.e. Community Action) The Apostles put food programs in place for the widows. There was practical action taking place all of the time.
8) The message of GRACE encapsulated everything they said and did.
Why were their teachings dangerous?
It challenged the dominant worldview (Caesar is Lord...the view of their day)
It challenged the local authorities (High Priest appointed to keep the peace)
It challenged the established religious authorities
It challenged business and economy (slavery, silver-smiths making idols)
What does all of this mean for us today?
God’s kingdom challenges the worldview of today. There are still places in our world where people are not free. Poverty, disease and crime challenged the church back then and still does today.
We still fight an enemy today who wants to enslave people. “The local church is the hope of the world”.
All across the world the church is seeing the release of captives...individual hearts and lives becoming free as the church proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ. Not just proclaiming good news but by being good news as well.
The message continues to be dangerous, tackling the issues of the day.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Dangerous Church I
We began our new series in church this morning entitled ‘Dangerous Church’. Paul Benger brought a great message about us having a culture of devotion in the church.
Acts 2:42-47 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
God loves the church. ‘The local church is the hope of the world’ - Bill Hybels
The church should be dangerous to...poverty, sickness and disease, lost people. God is doing something phenomenal on the earth. He wants us to recapture a little of that danger.
Don’t be distracted from the vision of the church that God has given you.
A Culture of Devotion
A dangerous church continues the ministry of Jesus. Jesus ministers though us to the world. The church should be a place that equips us to reach the world.
Matthew 4:23 - Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people
Luke 4:18 - The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed
A dangerous church cares about the same things that God cares about.
Rick Warren says there are 5 giants that affect the world...
Spiritual emptiness, self-centred leadership, extreme poverty, disease and sickness, lack of education
The answers...Plant churches, train leaders, assist the poor, bring healing, bring education to the uneducated.
We have to fall in love with Jesus and his cause to be a dangerous church.
6 things present in a ‘Culture of Devotion’
The Church says ‘Yes’ (they devoted themselves)
God is waiting for the day when the church gets the revelation of the vision.
The Church is amazed (everyone was filled with awe)
They believed that God as going to do something through them and were amazed he was going to include them. What are we complaining about today that we ought to be thankful about?
The Church builds on proven truth (devoted to the Apostle’s teaching)
We need to shine the light on some old truths. This message of redemption works.
The Church believes in corporate success (they gave to everyone as they had need, devoted to fellowship)
Fellowship is partnership. ‘Those planted in the house of God will flourish’.
The Church lives out of the new covenant (they broke bread from house to house)
This is not about what can we do for God, but what God has done for us.
The Church has a lifestyle of prayer (devoted themselves to prayer)
Life should not be compartmentalised – devoted Christianity is a lifestyle, God is included all of the time.
Maturity means we will live a life of devotion and therefore we will become a dangerous church.
Acts 2:42-47 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
God loves the church. ‘The local church is the hope of the world’ - Bill Hybels
The church should be dangerous to...poverty, sickness and disease, lost people. God is doing something phenomenal on the earth. He wants us to recapture a little of that danger.
Don’t be distracted from the vision of the church that God has given you.
A Culture of Devotion
A dangerous church continues the ministry of Jesus. Jesus ministers though us to the world. The church should be a place that equips us to reach the world.
Matthew 4:23 - Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people
Luke 4:18 - The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed
A dangerous church cares about the same things that God cares about.
Rick Warren says there are 5 giants that affect the world...
Spiritual emptiness, self-centred leadership, extreme poverty, disease and sickness, lack of education
The answers...Plant churches, train leaders, assist the poor, bring healing, bring education to the uneducated.
We have to fall in love with Jesus and his cause to be a dangerous church.
6 things present in a ‘Culture of Devotion’
The Church says ‘Yes’ (they devoted themselves)
God is waiting for the day when the church gets the revelation of the vision.
The Church is amazed (everyone was filled with awe)
They believed that God as going to do something through them and were amazed he was going to include them. What are we complaining about today that we ought to be thankful about?
The Church builds on proven truth (devoted to the Apostle’s teaching)
We need to shine the light on some old truths. This message of redemption works.
The Church believes in corporate success (they gave to everyone as they had need, devoted to fellowship)
Fellowship is partnership. ‘Those planted in the house of God will flourish’.
The Church lives out of the new covenant (they broke bread from house to house)
This is not about what can we do for God, but what God has done for us.
The Church has a lifestyle of prayer (devoted themselves to prayer)
Life should not be compartmentalised – devoted Christianity is a lifestyle, God is included all of the time.
Maturity means we will live a life of devotion and therefore we will become a dangerous church.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Famous Last Words
Great Easter service today in church. Paul Benger spoke a message entitled ‘Famous Last Words’.
There have been many famous last words throughout history. Here are some of Jesus’ final words on the cross before his death.
- Father forgive them
- Today you will be with me in paradise
- Woman behold your son
- My God my God why have you forsaken me
- I thirst
- Father into your hands I commit my spirit
- It is finished
John 19:16-30
In the Greek, Christ's cry from the cross, "It is finished!" had a number of meanings in that day.
A servant would say it meaning ‘I have overcome all the difficulties. I have done the job to the best of my ability. It is finished’.
In the Offering, the High Priest would say it meaning, ‘Your offering is accepted. It is perfect’.
A Merchant would say it meaning ‘the deal is finished, the price has been paid in full. I am satisfied’.
It is finished – nothing left unfinished!
What is God saying to us today? It is finished meaning...
Finished with the Past – whatever is in our past God is saying we can come to him and find freedom and forgiveness.
Finished with the Season – a season of difficulty and trouble is coming to an end. This is a new day, a new season of life in Christ.
Finished with the Obstacles – the issues and problems that have got in our way will be removed as we put our trust in him and all he has done and accomplished for us at the cross.
We know that Christ’s final words at the cross were only his final words before he died. He rose again on the third day and lives today! Here are some important words he spoke before he ascended to heaven...
Acts 1:3-8
We can now resurrection power today! In our lives, Christ at work in us...from deliverance to inheritance. We will know and experience the Kingdom of God advancing. We will see God’s house being filled – more people knowing Jesus!
There have been many famous last words throughout history. Here are some of Jesus’ final words on the cross before his death.
- Father forgive them
- Today you will be with me in paradise
- Woman behold your son
- My God my God why have you forsaken me
- I thirst
- Father into your hands I commit my spirit
- It is finished
John 19:16-30
In the Greek, Christ's cry from the cross, "It is finished!" had a number of meanings in that day.
A servant would say it meaning ‘I have overcome all the difficulties. I have done the job to the best of my ability. It is finished’.
In the Offering, the High Priest would say it meaning, ‘Your offering is accepted. It is perfect’.
A Merchant would say it meaning ‘the deal is finished, the price has been paid in full. I am satisfied’.
It is finished – nothing left unfinished!
What is God saying to us today? It is finished meaning...
Finished with the Past – whatever is in our past God is saying we can come to him and find freedom and forgiveness.
Finished with the Season – a season of difficulty and trouble is coming to an end. This is a new day, a new season of life in Christ.
Finished with the Obstacles – the issues and problems that have got in our way will be removed as we put our trust in him and all he has done and accomplished for us at the cross.
We know that Christ’s final words at the cross were only his final words before he died. He rose again on the third day and lives today! Here are some important words he spoke before he ascended to heaven...
Acts 1:3-8
We can now resurrection power today! In our lives, Christ at work in us...from deliverance to inheritance. We will know and experience the Kingdom of God advancing. We will see God’s house being filled – more people knowing Jesus!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Missions Sunday
Great time in church today. It was our Missions Sunday where we shared about our mission giving in the past year and also presented the church with our commitment to missions giving over the next 12 months.
It was great to have a number of important visitors with us...Betel of Britain...City Hearts House (Sheffield).
We also continue to support the Ground Level Network Overseas Missions, Links International and Compassion.
We also had our friend Pastor John Andrews from Rotherham New Life who spoke an inspiring message from 2 Kings 7:3-11, on the fact that ‘with great privilege comes great responsibility’.
As Christ transforms our lives we move from living for ourselves to living with responsibility and living for others. What can I do with what God has given me?
Jesus said ‘freely you have received, freely give’
Don’t look at what you haven’t got...look at what you have got! Mission is sharing the good news in whatever way is at your means.
We’re called to be local but also global citizens, effecting the whole world. You’re here to impact the whole world...not just Chesterfield.
Jesus said “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, AND in all Judea AND Samaria, AND to the ends of the earth”.
You’re making a difference with every gift, every contribution every bit that you can do.
It was great to have a number of important visitors with us...Betel of Britain...City Hearts House (Sheffield).
We also continue to support the Ground Level Network Overseas Missions, Links International and Compassion.
We also had our friend Pastor John Andrews from Rotherham New Life who spoke an inspiring message from 2 Kings 7:3-11, on the fact that ‘with great privilege comes great responsibility’.
As Christ transforms our lives we move from living for ourselves to living with responsibility and living for others. What can I do with what God has given me?
Jesus said ‘freely you have received, freely give’
Don’t look at what you haven’t got...look at what you have got! Mission is sharing the good news in whatever way is at your means.
We’re called to be local but also global citizens, effecting the whole world. You’re here to impact the whole world...not just Chesterfield.
Jesus said “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, AND in all Judea AND Samaria, AND to the ends of the earth”.
You’re making a difference with every gift, every contribution every bit that you can do.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Miracles III
Jeannie Benger finished our Miracles series this morning. The message was called ‘A Miracle on the High Seas’.
Mark 4:35-38
We all have times when we feel like we’re in a storm. Three reasons why we face storms...
1) They were in the storm by His appointment
Mark 4:35 – That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side”
Some storms can come because of poor decisions, bad choices.
Some storms come from the enemy. Vet often when we have made a stand, the enemy attacks.
Some storms come from a broken hurting world. We can get entangled with a hurting world.
2) They were in the storm with His presence
Mark 4:36-37 – Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
He used the storm so that they could trust him. Hebrews 13:5 – Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
3) They were in the storm for His purposes
Mark 4:38 – Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
In the storm we want God to do a ‘removing’ job - when He wants to do an ‘improving’ job.
As we step out God responds to our faith. Although we have his presence during storms we can sometimes doubt his care. But God is at work in our lives often in the background turning our lives around.
Jesus calms storms by His words
Mark 4:39-40 - He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
Let us speak his word over the storms in our lives. Stand on his word in those difficult life situations.
Do we have his word in our lives? The Bible
Do we have confidence in his word? Let us read, meditate and believe in his word to us.
Do we have a prophetic or ‘now’ word for our present situation?
Do we have confidence in his care? ‘I will never leave you or forsake you’
Mark 4:35-38
We all have times when we feel like we’re in a storm. Three reasons why we face storms...
1) They were in the storm by His appointment
Mark 4:35 – That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side”
Some storms can come because of poor decisions, bad choices.
Some storms come from the enemy. Vet often when we have made a stand, the enemy attacks.
Some storms come from a broken hurting world. We can get entangled with a hurting world.
2) They were in the storm with His presence
Mark 4:36-37 – Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
He used the storm so that they could trust him. Hebrews 13:5 – Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
3) They were in the storm for His purposes
Mark 4:38 – Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
In the storm we want God to do a ‘removing’ job - when He wants to do an ‘improving’ job.
As we step out God responds to our faith. Although we have his presence during storms we can sometimes doubt his care. But God is at work in our lives often in the background turning our lives around.
Jesus calms storms by His words
Mark 4:39-40 - He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
Let us speak his word over the storms in our lives. Stand on his word in those difficult life situations.
Do we have his word in our lives? The Bible
Do we have confidence in his word? Let us read, meditate and believe in his word to us.
Do we have a prophetic or ‘now’ word for our present situation?
Do we have confidence in his care? ‘I will never leave you or forsake you’
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