Another great time in church this morning. Paul Benger spoke an excellent message, the fourth in our series on the life of David.
David and Mephibosheth, ‘Pay it Forward’ - 2 Samuel 9:1-11
David chose to bless the household of Saul
Even though Saul had once tried to kill David he didn’t seek to get vengeance, to get payback for Saul’s wrongdoing. Jesus said ‘love your enemies’. His message is not easy but it is possible through the Holy Spirit.
In your heart be a person who seeks to bless and not to look for retribution, paying back evil for evil.
Mephibosheth...
1) Had to get over his poverty mentality
He had settled on mediocrity, a poor area. 2 Samuel 9:8 – Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?"
We don’t have to exclude ourselves from the grace and love of God. Don’t take on the poverty mentality – ‘We don’t deserve it’. God loves us, he has made a table for us in the presence of our enemies and our cup is running over! There is a seat at God’s table all the days of your life.
Romans 4:17 - The God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. God blesses us before the event! He wants the best for you and he wants the best for this church.
2) He had to learn to be happy with who he was
We can live in the world of the ‘If Only’. Root cause of many of the social, emotional problems that individual’s face is that people don’t like themselves.
Mephibosheth should have known that God still loved him. So often we can compare ourselves with others and yet God made us as ‘an original’.
When we choose to bless people...
1) We change the world of those around us
We bring God into their world. Luke 6:27-28 – But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you. Mephibosheth’s world was completely transformed because David chose to bless him.
2) God sees it – and he blesses us
When we bless others, when we give, God gives to us. Isaiah 58:6-8.
Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
3) We are planting a seed for our future
Galatians 6:7 - Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Proverbs 11:24-25 - One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Your attitude attracts a response. When we are generous people respond generously to us. It’s not just about money but about our attitudes.
Three ways to bless others...
Our words
Our words can encourage or tear down. Proverbs 12:25 - An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up
Our gifts
Use your gifts to bless others. Proverbs 18:16 - A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great
By sharing mercy
Giving people what they don’t deserve. Galatians 2:10 - All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do
We can bless others and change their world. 2 Samuel 9:1 - David asked, Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Virtuous Reality III
Great time in church this morning. Full of people and full of life! As well as continuing our series on the life of David, we also had our ‘new peoples lunch’ afterwards where around 24 new people came who had joined us in the last 6 months. Paul shared the vision and values of our church. We’re hoping to be doing one every 6 months or so.
David and Bathsheba “Windows XP” - 2 Samuel 11
The fall and rise of King David
The Fall...
1) He became careless – (vs1) He was King he should have been going to war. He took his eyes off the ball. He sent Joab to lead the troops when it should have been him.
God has saved us...He has a purpose for us. We become careless if we take our eyes of that purpose.
Matthew 28:19 – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Our purpose...the great ‘co-mission’...OUR mission. “To know Jesus and to make Him know” – the mission statement of our church.
We need to remain sharp in our lives...to keep our eyes on God and on our mission.
Deuteronomy 8:10-11, 17-18
2) He tried to cover his mistakes – David tried cover things up, to try and sort things out in his own strength (Abraham example). He even tried to justify his position. We need to be open...to repent...to not try and cover things up and make excuses. Submit to God.
But David was restored. The Rise...
God is a Redeemer. We can think that failure is the end of it, that God could never love us again. But we can begin again...
1) Repent – David could have carried on with the cover-up, but he changed is mind, to turn around (repent). Psalm 51 – David’s Psalm of repentance.
2) Don’t let your mistakes define you – David was a man after God’s own heart. Let what God thinks about you define you. When God looks at you he doesn’t see what you do (Gideon example). He loves us and wants to restore us, to mould us and shape our lives.
3) Know God’s total forgiveness – When we try to forgive we struggle, we can still harbour things. With God forgiveness is total and complete. Psalm 130:3-4 - If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. Know God’s forgiveness today...TOTAL and not partial.
4) Press on and fulfil God’s purpose for your life – God has a plan for your life. He will use us in all areas of life. Set your will to fulfil God’s will and purpose for you life. Line up your will to His.
David and Bathsheba “Windows XP” - 2 Samuel 11
The fall and rise of King David
The Fall...
1) He became careless – (vs1) He was King he should have been going to war. He took his eyes off the ball. He sent Joab to lead the troops when it should have been him.
God has saved us...He has a purpose for us. We become careless if we take our eyes of that purpose.
Matthew 28:19 – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Our purpose...the great ‘co-mission’...OUR mission. “To know Jesus and to make Him know” – the mission statement of our church.
We need to remain sharp in our lives...to keep our eyes on God and on our mission.
Deuteronomy 8:10-11, 17-18
2) He tried to cover his mistakes – David tried cover things up, to try and sort things out in his own strength (Abraham example). He even tried to justify his position. We need to be open...to repent...to not try and cover things up and make excuses. Submit to God.
But David was restored. The Rise...
God is a Redeemer. We can think that failure is the end of it, that God could never love us again. But we can begin again...
1) Repent – David could have carried on with the cover-up, but he changed is mind, to turn around (repent). Psalm 51 – David’s Psalm of repentance.
2) Don’t let your mistakes define you – David was a man after God’s own heart. Let what God thinks about you define you. When God looks at you he doesn’t see what you do (Gideon example). He loves us and wants to restore us, to mould us and shape our lives.
3) Know God’s total forgiveness – When we try to forgive we struggle, we can still harbour things. With God forgiveness is total and complete. Psalm 130:3-4 - If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. Know God’s forgiveness today...TOTAL and not partial.
4) Press on and fulfil God’s purpose for your life – God has a plan for your life. He will use us in all areas of life. Set your will to fulfil God’s will and purpose for you life. Line up your will to His.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Virtuous Reality II
Paul Benger continued our series on the life of David, ‘Virtuous Reality’ this morning. He spoke on “David and Jonathan, Friends Forever”.
1 Samuel 18:1-5; 1 Samuel 19:1-7; 1 Samuel 20:1-4
David and Jonathan had a great friendship. Friends are so important. We were created for community, to be together as God intended.
God put David and Jonathan together. 1 Samuel 18:1 - Jonathan became one in spirit with David. God still does that today. He puts people together - those who are one in heart and mind. God knits hearts together.
Saul became jealous of David and tried to have him killed. But Jonathan fought for David. We also need to defend one another. “A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out”.
Friends...those who have your best interests at heart. Those who want you to do well. Let’s look out for each other.
Important things about Jonathan’s character:
His lack of jealousy. So often we fight the demons our parents failed to conquer. Somehow Jonathan had overcome this (Saul’s jealousy). Jonathan could have been the next king and yet he submitted to David.
He learned from his father’s mistake. We can learn from our mistakes. We are not destined to repeat the mistakes of our parents, or of our past. Be humble enough to say sorry, to move on from our mistakes.
He honoured his father. Even though he did not always agree with him. Ephesians 6:2 – Honour your father and mother - you will live a long life of blessing. Jonathan stayed loyal to his father.
4 lessons in ultimate friendships
Love People
We’re here to love people. Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. In our world we can become cynical about people. Let God knit you together. Our job is to love people...to be a Church that loves people.
Be Faithful
God loves faithfulness. 2 Timothy 2:13 – if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. This is the message of grace, that God remains faithful even we are not. He wants us to be like him too. Don’t disappear when people face tough times – remain faithful.
Encourage People
Our job is to put faith into people’s hearts. Encourage and lift people when they are feeling discouraged. 1 Samuel 23:16 - Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.
Pursue Unity
To be one in heart and mind. The enemy’s objective is to see disharmony and disunity. Fight for unity...where we know God’s blessing. Psalm 133:1,3 – How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life for evermore.
1 Samuel 18:1-5; 1 Samuel 19:1-7; 1 Samuel 20:1-4
David and Jonathan had a great friendship. Friends are so important. We were created for community, to be together as God intended.
God put David and Jonathan together. 1 Samuel 18:1 - Jonathan became one in spirit with David. God still does that today. He puts people together - those who are one in heart and mind. God knits hearts together.
Saul became jealous of David and tried to have him killed. But Jonathan fought for David. We also need to defend one another. “A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out”.
Friends...those who have your best interests at heart. Those who want you to do well. Let’s look out for each other.
Important things about Jonathan’s character:
His lack of jealousy. So often we fight the demons our parents failed to conquer. Somehow Jonathan had overcome this (Saul’s jealousy). Jonathan could have been the next king and yet he submitted to David.
He learned from his father’s mistake. We can learn from our mistakes. We are not destined to repeat the mistakes of our parents, or of our past. Be humble enough to say sorry, to move on from our mistakes.
He honoured his father. Even though he did not always agree with him. Ephesians 6:2 – Honour your father and mother - you will live a long life of blessing. Jonathan stayed loyal to his father.
4 lessons in ultimate friendships
Love People
We’re here to love people. Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. In our world we can become cynical about people. Let God knit you together. Our job is to love people...to be a Church that loves people.
Be Faithful
God loves faithfulness. 2 Timothy 2:13 – if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. This is the message of grace, that God remains faithful even we are not. He wants us to be like him too. Don’t disappear when people face tough times – remain faithful.
Encourage People
Our job is to put faith into people’s hearts. Encourage and lift people when they are feeling discouraged. 1 Samuel 23:16 - Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.
Pursue Unity
To be one in heart and mind. The enemy’s objective is to see disharmony and disunity. Fight for unity...where we know God’s blessing. Psalm 133:1,3 – How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life for evermore.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Virtuous Reality I
In church this morning Jeannie Benger gave us a great opening message to our new series for 2007 “Virtuous Reality” which is based upon the life of David. The title of part one of the series was “A Giant Undertaking – David and Goliath”
1 Samuel 17
To live a life of purity and integrity in today’s world is a giant undertaking!
Obstacles David faced that we face today...
David Faced a Giant – He was over 9 feet tall. His armour weighed more than 8 stone! We face situations that seem like giants. Sometimes we feel we will never win them over. God has given us the ability to fight theses giants. His Holy Spirit within us helps us to overcome.
David Faced a Bad Example – Even as King, Saul was a bad example to David. As David become more popular than Saul later on jealousy would consume him and cause him to try and kill David. We need to guard our hearts against jealousy. God has created each one us unique. We all have something to bring; we don’t all have the same gifts and abilities.
David Faced a Poor Reputation – His brothers did not believe in him. They thought he was not good enough. Sometimes we have felt belittled in the past, which may have caused us to stop believing in ourselves. God believes in you! We [the church] believe in you!
David’s keys for defeating the obstacles faced in his life and that helps us overcome ours...
A Repaired Past – we need a positive view of the past even when things did not turn out as we had hoped. David was not chosen and yet he became a champion. He became a champion not when he had defeated Goliath but when he overcame the negatives in his life, when he took on the right attitudes.
A Good Set of Relationships – David had a good relationship with his father. We should also with our Father, God. David got his values from his father. We should get our DNA from our God. Also have the right people in our lives.
A Strong Conviction – David was not trusting in history but in God. He knew God, he knew he could trust him.
A Strong Commitment – (Verses 17-20) David did things with a passion. He set out early in the morning. He was committed to his responsibilities as a shepherd. He was submitted to authority (Jesse). Be passionate about what you do. Live a full and whole life serving God. Submit to authority and honour them.
A Strong Confession – (Verse 46) Make sure we have positive confession over our lives. Have a positive outlook as opposed to a negative outlook. Live a life full of faith. God has made you a giant slayer. You are a champion!
1 Samuel 17
To live a life of purity and integrity in today’s world is a giant undertaking!
Obstacles David faced that we face today...
David Faced a Giant – He was over 9 feet tall. His armour weighed more than 8 stone! We face situations that seem like giants. Sometimes we feel we will never win them over. God has given us the ability to fight theses giants. His Holy Spirit within us helps us to overcome.
David Faced a Bad Example – Even as King, Saul was a bad example to David. As David become more popular than Saul later on jealousy would consume him and cause him to try and kill David. We need to guard our hearts against jealousy. God has created each one us unique. We all have something to bring; we don’t all have the same gifts and abilities.
David Faced a Poor Reputation – His brothers did not believe in him. They thought he was not good enough. Sometimes we have felt belittled in the past, which may have caused us to stop believing in ourselves. God believes in you! We [the church] believe in you!
David’s keys for defeating the obstacles faced in his life and that helps us overcome ours...
A Repaired Past – we need a positive view of the past even when things did not turn out as we had hoped. David was not chosen and yet he became a champion. He became a champion not when he had defeated Goliath but when he overcame the negatives in his life, when he took on the right attitudes.
A Good Set of Relationships – David had a good relationship with his father. We should also with our Father, God. David got his values from his father. We should get our DNA from our God. Also have the right people in our lives.
A Strong Conviction – David was not trusting in history but in God. He knew God, he knew he could trust him.
A Strong Commitment – (Verses 17-20) David did things with a passion. He set out early in the morning. He was committed to his responsibilities as a shepherd. He was submitted to authority (Jesse). Be passionate about what you do. Live a full and whole life serving God. Submit to authority and honour them.
A Strong Confession – (Verse 46) Make sure we have positive confession over our lives. Have a positive outlook as opposed to a negative outlook. Live a life full of faith. God has made you a giant slayer. You are a champion!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Joy versus Fear
Spoke this morning in Church...
A message, and not just at Christmas time - “Fear not...I bring you good news of great Joy!”
Battle that rages between these two emotions – Joy and fear. On the one side, Joy/peace/happiness and on the other...fear/anxiety.
What is real joy? Does it really exist?
Life for most is a life of searching. It could be described as a nomadic experience (never settling), as someone who is going from place to place, from job to job, from experience to experience, from relationship to relationship fully knowing that this next place might not give them the permanent joy/satisfaction they seek.
I think one of the reasons we move around is that we are still looking for that “real joy”
Joy is that sense of abundance that comes welling up inside of us, that life and vitality, that sense that everything is in harmony and we are in the centre of it.
In ourselves, our own strength, we try and hold on to that sort of experience. We manufacture substitutes for joy. We will do whatever we can to simulate it in our life and I think that is a big part of what entertainment is in our culture.
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Remember Your History in God – Paul must have heard that Timothy was in the battle, and maybe even a little discouraged about the way things were going. Paul knowing how to deal with discouragement in ministry gave some important advice for joy to be restored. He mentioned his Mum and Gran–and also what he had seen in Timothy’s life.
Paul reminds Timothy of those great spiritual times they had shared together. It is easy in the battle and storms to forget the wonderful times you have experienced in God. The devil will get you concentrating on the bad, so to restore joy, remember all the times God has come through for you, all the times you have had a touch from God.
Rekindle the Fire – Timothy, stir it up (the gift/the fire), the fire is trying to go out in you so, stir it up, get your flame back. Paul is encouraging Timothy to stop everything he is doing, and concentrate on the most important thing of all, His relationship with Jesus Christ and his walk in the Spirit.
Without the fire the engine will stall. Paul is reminding Timothy, it was God that got you where you are at, and it is God that will get you where you need to go. Don’t try to do this in your own strength.
Remember what God has put in you!
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.
Enemy of Joy…Fear
Fear is crippling. It immobilises us.
We live in a Society gripped by fear…Terrorism, environment, economy
There are hidden fears that motivate us too - Fear of failure causes many people to never start, or try anything that is not completely safe. Fear of rejection makes us afraid to do anything that could draw criticism or give someone a chance to laugh at us
Where he wants us (devil)...in a state of fear, anxiety...depression. (Whatever joy we have gets extinguished)
He uses the "spirit of fear" to:
Make our lives miserable - Worry and fear can make our life miserable!
Make our lives ineffective
BUT remember...
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.
Guard your heart/mind against the ‘spirit of fear’, instead get God’s Spirit in you!
The Spirit of
Power
1. Power to be saved - (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name
2. Power to be a witness for Him - (Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth
3. Power to be Joyful - (Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
4. Power to endure trials - (2 Corinthians 12:9) But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me
Spirit of Love
(1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love
Love for God
The more we love God, the less fear we will have. It is a matter of trust. When we realise that God will take care of us, it relieves our fear. My kids do not worry about having something to eat. For all these years we have provided for them. They trust in me. Now if I had not provided for them, they would be worried. But they know I love them and will provide for them, so they are not afraid about that. This is why Romans 8:28 says, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Love for Others
The more we love others the less fear we will have. Love causes us to overcome our fear for the good of others. Love causes us to tell others about Jesus. To teach others about Christ. To help others in need.
Spirit of a Sound Mind
Most of the time our harmful fears are the result of wrong thinking. But something happens when we are saved and begin to trust God. Our mind is renewed! - (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.
When we think Biblically - we have a "sound mind".
Conquering fear is not a matter of self-determination, It is a matter of dependence on the God whom we can trust and love. In Christ you can conquer your fear.
FEAR FACTOR - the number one strategy of Satan
1 Peter 5:8- "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
What “real Joy” looks like
John 10:10 - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
What Christ Said...
On the last night before His crucifixion, Christ taught His disciples many vital principles. At one point, He said, “These things have I spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11)
On the same occasion, Christ, knowing the disciples would be sorrowful at His death, added, “But your sorrow shall be turned into joy...and your joy no man takes from you” (John 16:20, 22)
With Him (in Him) is the happiest place to be! David understood this: “In Your [God’s] presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11)
A message, and not just at Christmas time - “Fear not...I bring you good news of great Joy!”
Battle that rages between these two emotions – Joy and fear. On the one side, Joy/peace/happiness and on the other...fear/anxiety.
What is real joy? Does it really exist?
Life for most is a life of searching. It could be described as a nomadic experience (never settling), as someone who is going from place to place, from job to job, from experience to experience, from relationship to relationship fully knowing that this next place might not give them the permanent joy/satisfaction they seek.
I think one of the reasons we move around is that we are still looking for that “real joy”
Joy is that sense of abundance that comes welling up inside of us, that life and vitality, that sense that everything is in harmony and we are in the centre of it.
In ourselves, our own strength, we try and hold on to that sort of experience. We manufacture substitutes for joy. We will do whatever we can to simulate it in our life and I think that is a big part of what entertainment is in our culture.
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Remember Your History in God – Paul must have heard that Timothy was in the battle, and maybe even a little discouraged about the way things were going. Paul knowing how to deal with discouragement in ministry gave some important advice for joy to be restored. He mentioned his Mum and Gran–and also what he had seen in Timothy’s life.
Paul reminds Timothy of those great spiritual times they had shared together. It is easy in the battle and storms to forget the wonderful times you have experienced in God. The devil will get you concentrating on the bad, so to restore joy, remember all the times God has come through for you, all the times you have had a touch from God.
Rekindle the Fire – Timothy, stir it up (the gift/the fire), the fire is trying to go out in you so, stir it up, get your flame back. Paul is encouraging Timothy to stop everything he is doing, and concentrate on the most important thing of all, His relationship with Jesus Christ and his walk in the Spirit.
Without the fire the engine will stall. Paul is reminding Timothy, it was God that got you where you are at, and it is God that will get you where you need to go. Don’t try to do this in your own strength.
Remember what God has put in you!
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.
Enemy of Joy…Fear
Fear is crippling. It immobilises us.
We live in a Society gripped by fear…Terrorism, environment, economy
There are hidden fears that motivate us too - Fear of failure causes many people to never start, or try anything that is not completely safe. Fear of rejection makes us afraid to do anything that could draw criticism or give someone a chance to laugh at us
Where he wants us (devil)...in a state of fear, anxiety...depression. (Whatever joy we have gets extinguished)
He uses the "spirit of fear" to:
Make our lives miserable - Worry and fear can make our life miserable!
Make our lives ineffective
BUT remember...
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.
Guard your heart/mind against the ‘spirit of fear’, instead get God’s Spirit in you!
The Spirit of
Power
1. Power to be saved - (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name
2. Power to be a witness for Him - (Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth
3. Power to be Joyful - (Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
4. Power to endure trials - (2 Corinthians 12:9) But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me
Spirit of Love
(1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love
Love for God
The more we love God, the less fear we will have. It is a matter of trust. When we realise that God will take care of us, it relieves our fear. My kids do not worry about having something to eat. For all these years we have provided for them. They trust in me. Now if I had not provided for them, they would be worried. But they know I love them and will provide for them, so they are not afraid about that. This is why Romans 8:28 says, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Love for Others
The more we love others the less fear we will have. Love causes us to overcome our fear for the good of others. Love causes us to tell others about Jesus. To teach others about Christ. To help others in need.
Spirit of a Sound Mind
Most of the time our harmful fears are the result of wrong thinking. But something happens when we are saved and begin to trust God. Our mind is renewed! - (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.
When we think Biblically - we have a "sound mind".
Conquering fear is not a matter of self-determination, It is a matter of dependence on the God whom we can trust and love. In Christ you can conquer your fear.
FEAR FACTOR - the number one strategy of Satan
1 Peter 5:8- "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
What “real Joy” looks like
John 10:10 - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
What Christ Said...
On the last night before His crucifixion, Christ taught His disciples many vital principles. At one point, He said, “These things have I spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11)
On the same occasion, Christ, knowing the disciples would be sorrowful at His death, added, “But your sorrow shall be turned into joy...and your joy no man takes from you” (John 16:20, 22)
With Him (in Him) is the happiest place to be! David understood this: “In Your [God’s] presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11)
Thursday, December 21, 2006
English Sport's 8 Deadly Sins
Humphrey Walters, who was part of Clive Woodward's backroom staff during their 2003 World Cup triumph, has been applying business principles to developing winning teams and leaders for the last 30 years.
Applying business principles to sport, Walters tells BBC Sport why English sport is guilty of eight corporate sins.
Applying business principles to sport, Walters tells BBC Sport why English sport is guilty of eight corporate sins.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Wide Eyed Wonder
Paul Benger spoke an excellent message this morning during a great time in church. It was all about being full of wide eyed wonder when it comes to the Kingdom of God just like the kind of attitude seen in children.
Luke 18:15-17
As adults we can complicate things in our world today, unless we see and receive the things of God like children we will miss it.
The Kingdom of God is available to you and me in the here and now. It is for all, there is no discrimination. Jesus came and through everything that he did revealed God’s intention for us.
He now reminds us that we need to have the attitude of a child for us to enter or to see the Kingdom of God – and not just at the first point of salvation but all through our lives.
We should never become a grown-up Christian, yes we grow in Christ and we need to mature and take responsibility for our lives, but in the Spirit we must remain child-like.
Things to guard against as we grow up...
Familiarity – look out for those things that just become ‘routines’. People and situations can just become routine, going through the motions. We can then miss what God is doing. Even Jesus faced this in his hometown.
Cynicism – we can start to give everything a negative edge.
We can become Grumpy – not just the old men and women but even the young people. Grumpiness is the antithesis of the Kingdom of God.
We can become conspiracy theorists – we lose our trust of people. They may not be perfect but there are those who love you and only want the very best for you. We can think everyone is out to get us.
We can lose our Enthusiasm – at Christmas time our kids are enthused, we should never lose that kind of enthusiasm. Even at Christmas...we celebrate the birth of our Saviour!
We can become sceptical – we can miss the Kingdom of God because we don’t have the right attitude. The Kingdom of God does not have geographical boundaries but attitudinal boundaries.
Three child-like qualities for us to have:
Wonder
Think of Christmas and all things ‘Santa’ - Children are meant to live in that place of wonder. As we grow older we can lose our sense of wonder. We need wonder in our lives. The are so many wonderful things...
God’s love for his creation – and that means you!
The person of Jesus Christ – all that he has done for us
The Holy Spirit – with us right here and now
The will of God – that none should perish and that all should be saved
The church – it’s wonderful! It’s God’s answer for the world even with all its spots and wrinkles!
YOU – Psalm 139
Enthusiasm
The ability to get really excited. Have you ever told your kids “You’re getting too excited”? God would love to say that to us!
Some people find dreariness in everything. God wants us to live with enthusiasm. Jesus looked for it in people.
Rest
We love to see children asleep in the arms of a parent. This is a parable of where we’re meant to be...in the arms of a loving God. Resting in him, not getting worried or anxious. 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.
God loves you and wants to fill your lives with good things. Be careful about your intake, feed on good things.
Luke 18:15-17
As adults we can complicate things in our world today, unless we see and receive the things of God like children we will miss it.
The Kingdom of God is available to you and me in the here and now. It is for all, there is no discrimination. Jesus came and through everything that he did revealed God’s intention for us.
He now reminds us that we need to have the attitude of a child for us to enter or to see the Kingdom of God – and not just at the first point of salvation but all through our lives.
We should never become a grown-up Christian, yes we grow in Christ and we need to mature and take responsibility for our lives, but in the Spirit we must remain child-like.
Things to guard against as we grow up...
Familiarity – look out for those things that just become ‘routines’. People and situations can just become routine, going through the motions. We can then miss what God is doing. Even Jesus faced this in his hometown.
Cynicism – we can start to give everything a negative edge.
We can become Grumpy – not just the old men and women but even the young people. Grumpiness is the antithesis of the Kingdom of God.
We can become conspiracy theorists – we lose our trust of people. They may not be perfect but there are those who love you and only want the very best for you. We can think everyone is out to get us.
We can lose our Enthusiasm – at Christmas time our kids are enthused, we should never lose that kind of enthusiasm. Even at Christmas...we celebrate the birth of our Saviour!
We can become sceptical – we can miss the Kingdom of God because we don’t have the right attitude. The Kingdom of God does not have geographical boundaries but attitudinal boundaries.
Three child-like qualities for us to have:
Wonder
Think of Christmas and all things ‘Santa’ - Children are meant to live in that place of wonder. As we grow older we can lose our sense of wonder. We need wonder in our lives. The are so many wonderful things...
God’s love for his creation – and that means you!
The person of Jesus Christ – all that he has done for us
The Holy Spirit – with us right here and now
The will of God – that none should perish and that all should be saved
The church – it’s wonderful! It’s God’s answer for the world even with all its spots and wrinkles!
YOU – Psalm 139
Enthusiasm
The ability to get really excited. Have you ever told your kids “You’re getting too excited”? God would love to say that to us!
Some people find dreariness in everything. God wants us to live with enthusiasm. Jesus looked for it in people.
Rest
We love to see children asleep in the arms of a parent. This is a parable of where we’re meant to be...in the arms of a loving God. Resting in him, not getting worried or anxious. 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.
God loves you and wants to fill your lives with good things. Be careful about your intake, feed on good things.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Ashes to Ashes
What a difference a year makes...
2005 
2006
You can see how much this hurts the big man.
Now what have England got for these next three Tests?
2005 
2006You can see how much this hurts the big man.
Now what have England got for these next three Tests?
Friday, December 01, 2006
The Right Yoke
Speaking this Sunday on having the right kind of 'yoke' in our lives.
Matthew 11:25-30
We have more things today, conveniences that make our lives easier - or they are supposed to! Yet we seem busier, have less time and live life at a more hectic pace than we did a number years ago when most of these things did not exist. So these words of Jesus perhaps resonate with us?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
We may be weary we may need rest, and yet as we see the ‘rest’ that Jesus offers, we begin to wonder?
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Does this not sound a little contradictory? “Come all you who need rest and here's another yoke or burden to help you rest!"
The ‘yoke’ allows the animals to combine their strengths and accomplish much more than either one could do alone and do what would be impossible for the man by himself. So it is more important to look at the yoke not just as a way to bear the burden, but more importantly as a way to share the burden.
The Wrong Yokes
Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
This yoke of slavery is the yoke of self-effort. This is a heavy yoke because we try to do it all in our own strength. This is not the yoke that Jesus was talking about. There are three yokes mentioned in the Bible which are the wrong yokes:
The yoke of the law: Acts 15:10 - Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? Galatians 5:4 - You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
Jesus invites people to get out from the burden of the law and follow and learn from Him.
His law is the law of love. ‘A new commandment I give to you, love one another as I have loved you’ John 13:34
The yoke of the world: Sometimes the culture, values, taste, and behaviour that we find ourselves following can be a yoke in itself, something that constrains us and governs how we are as people.
We find ourselves conforming to the world and our society and being shaped by the world and the people around us, even when we don’t want to be, its as if we have no freedom to make choices for ourselves.
Yoke of the flesh John 8:34 - Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Self control – not being weighed down be the yoke of our old sin nature!
The Right Yoke
With regards to ‘yokes’ the better the fit, the more amenable the animal was to doing its work. Obviously, the ox would struggle against a poor fitting and uncomfortable yoke. Jesus says His yoke is easy, but it is designed like all yokes for one purpose – WORK.
He has work for us to do, work that He comes along side of us to help and share with us. It is the work of His love.
“This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.” Galatians 5:3
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) – ‘walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.’
Jesus’ closing words in the passage parallel His gentleness and humility: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The Greek word for easy is chrestos, meaning good or kind and points to the kindness in God’s merciful and patient grace.
Combining this sense of kindness with the image of the yoke and we get the idea of a kindness that is “well fitting”. Jesus’ yoke is not ill fitting, but rather it is well-made and pleasant to work in.
Jesus is telling us that that our participation in His life should be a joy and not a chore. We find rest for our souls because we are using the right tools: Jesus’ yoke, not one we have made ourselves or have obtained on the basis of following heavy legal religious laws - but rather one made specifically for us by the ‘master carpenter’.
We all carry yokes! Responsibilities or entrustments - our physical body & well-being; our spirituality; our marriage/relationships, home & family; our church & ministry responsibilities; our vocation & influence; our resources & possessions.
But we can be wearing them badly! Ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Burdensome - not helping but hindering us in life.
Wear his yoke and wear it well and... 1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Matthew 11:25-30
We have more things today, conveniences that make our lives easier - or they are supposed to! Yet we seem busier, have less time and live life at a more hectic pace than we did a number years ago when most of these things did not exist. So these words of Jesus perhaps resonate with us?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
We may be weary we may need rest, and yet as we see the ‘rest’ that Jesus offers, we begin to wonder?
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Does this not sound a little contradictory? “Come all you who need rest and here's another yoke or burden to help you rest!"
The ‘yoke’ allows the animals to combine their strengths and accomplish much more than either one could do alone and do what would be impossible for the man by himself. So it is more important to look at the yoke not just as a way to bear the burden, but more importantly as a way to share the burden.
The Wrong Yokes
Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
This yoke of slavery is the yoke of self-effort. This is a heavy yoke because we try to do it all in our own strength. This is not the yoke that Jesus was talking about. There are three yokes mentioned in the Bible which are the wrong yokes:
The yoke of the law: Acts 15:10 - Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? Galatians 5:4 - You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
Jesus invites people to get out from the burden of the law and follow and learn from Him.
His law is the law of love. ‘A new commandment I give to you, love one another as I have loved you’ John 13:34
The yoke of the world: Sometimes the culture, values, taste, and behaviour that we find ourselves following can be a yoke in itself, something that constrains us and governs how we are as people.
We find ourselves conforming to the world and our society and being shaped by the world and the people around us, even when we don’t want to be, its as if we have no freedom to make choices for ourselves.
Yoke of the flesh John 8:34 - Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Self control – not being weighed down be the yoke of our old sin nature!
The Right Yoke
With regards to ‘yokes’ the better the fit, the more amenable the animal was to doing its work. Obviously, the ox would struggle against a poor fitting and uncomfortable yoke. Jesus says His yoke is easy, but it is designed like all yokes for one purpose – WORK.
He has work for us to do, work that He comes along side of us to help and share with us. It is the work of His love.
“This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.” Galatians 5:3
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) – ‘walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.’
Jesus’ closing words in the passage parallel His gentleness and humility: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The Greek word for easy is chrestos, meaning good or kind and points to the kindness in God’s merciful and patient grace.
Combining this sense of kindness with the image of the yoke and we get the idea of a kindness that is “well fitting”. Jesus’ yoke is not ill fitting, but rather it is well-made and pleasant to work in.
Jesus is telling us that that our participation in His life should be a joy and not a chore. We find rest for our souls because we are using the right tools: Jesus’ yoke, not one we have made ourselves or have obtained on the basis of following heavy legal religious laws - but rather one made specifically for us by the ‘master carpenter’.
We all carry yokes! Responsibilities or entrustments - our physical body & well-being; our spirituality; our marriage/relationships, home & family; our church & ministry responsibilities; our vocation & influence; our resources & possessions.
But we can be wearing them badly! Ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Burdensome - not helping but hindering us in life.
Wear his yoke and wear it well and... 1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
That's Better!
It's nice to get up in the morning to better news! Hopefully another 250 tomorrow will put us into a strong position and put the Aussies under a bit of pressure.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Can History Repeat Itself?
Had a look back at this post which I wrote back in July 2005 just after the first Test of the last Ashes series.
Different lessons learnt this time - must do better with the ball for one thing!
A positive back then now looking a little shaky - bowling Australia out twice!
Pietersen still a plus for us though.
Like last year, McGrath a doubt through injury. So can history repeat itself and we bounce back in the 2nd test at Adelaide? We shall see...
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
The Gabba
The Ashes down under - it all kicks off tonight…for us Poms anyway! I can’t believe it has been over 14 months since the final test match in last year’s series in England.
The big debate over here is whether or not to play Giles or Panesar in this first test at the Gabba. Jonathon Agnew, BBC correspondent, probably has a valid point…but is it not a little too negative?
In many ways, given the record of finger spinners on this ground, it is almost an irrelevance, and that is why I would choose Giles.
This is a pitch for the pacemen, and all the spinner will be required to do is bowl a few overs to give the quick boys a breather.
I know many will disagree with my decision, but I will also make the point that Panesar has not bowled very well on the trip so far, and he missed a great opportunity to state his case in favourable conditions in Adelaide over the weekend.
Can we really have a situation in which England are 230-6 with Flintoff 20 not out, and Matthew Hoggard walks out to bat with Steve Harmison, James Anderson and Panesar behind him?
A score of 230-6 would probably become 260 all out. Giles is not Don Bradman, but he is more than capable of hanging around in that situation, as he did on a couple of notable occasions last year.
The big debate over here is whether or not to play Giles or Panesar in this first test at the Gabba. Jonathon Agnew, BBC correspondent, probably has a valid point…but is it not a little too negative?
In many ways, given the record of finger spinners on this ground, it is almost an irrelevance, and that is why I would choose Giles.
This is a pitch for the pacemen, and all the spinner will be required to do is bowl a few overs to give the quick boys a breather.
I know many will disagree with my decision, but I will also make the point that Panesar has not bowled very well on the trip so far, and he missed a great opportunity to state his case in favourable conditions in Adelaide over the weekend.
Can we really have a situation in which England are 230-6 with Flintoff 20 not out, and Matthew Hoggard walks out to bat with Steve Harmison, James Anderson and Panesar behind him?
A score of 230-6 would probably become 260 all out. Giles is not Don Bradman, but he is more than capable of hanging around in that situation, as he did on a couple of notable occasions last year.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Pass the Salt II
Paul Benger continued our great series ‘Pass the Salt’ this morning in church. This second part was called ‘Love people’.
Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus taught that the law was not the salt and light but that you are!
The following incident shows us how to love people and it particularly looks at this through the eyes of the culture of the day.
Luke 10:25-37
The expert on the law comes and asks a question about the law! He had a hidden agenda, he comes to test Jesus to try and catch him out.
When the law said ‘love your neighbour as yourself’, the Jew believed ‘your neighbour’ referred to someone like himself - another Jew, not a Gentile or a Samaritan.
So Jesus, as always, courted controversy by revealing what loving your neighbour really meant by sharing this well known parable of the Good Samaritan.
Passing by on the other side simply meant ignoring the stripped and beaten man.
Those listening to the Parable would have thought the third person to come along and help the man would have been an ordinary Jew, after the Priest and Levite had passed him by. But he was a Samaritan man. The Jews hated Samaritans.
Jesus was stirring up the emotions of the expert of the law – bringing out all of his prejudice and racism. He asked who had been a neighbour to this man. The expert said it was the one who had shown mercy. He couldn’t even bring himself to say it was the Samaritan!
Think about the people in your world...who will be a neighbour to those people?
4 important truths to share from the teachings of Jesus
We were created to love people
Racism and prejudice entered our world because of the fall. God is love. We are made in his image. It’s in you! God loves people...we love people.
1 John 4:8,16 – (8) Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (16) And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
Love the one you’re with
Bear one another’s burdens. Your husband isn’t perfect, your wife isn’t perfect! Love them.
Love is more than a feeling, it’s a commitment
It can be a challenge to love people...we need to make a commitment to bring heaven into our world.
1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 – (13) Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (14) And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (15) Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
Love always involves giving
Don’t rob people of what God wants to give them. Give to those in need. There are those who need something from you – time, food, clothing, money, prayers, encouragement.
What kind of neighbour can you be? Let us bring light and life to those around us. Make a big difference in this world.
Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus taught that the law was not the salt and light but that you are!
The following incident shows us how to love people and it particularly looks at this through the eyes of the culture of the day.
Luke 10:25-37
The expert on the law comes and asks a question about the law! He had a hidden agenda, he comes to test Jesus to try and catch him out.
When the law said ‘love your neighbour as yourself’, the Jew believed ‘your neighbour’ referred to someone like himself - another Jew, not a Gentile or a Samaritan.
So Jesus, as always, courted controversy by revealing what loving your neighbour really meant by sharing this well known parable of the Good Samaritan.
Passing by on the other side simply meant ignoring the stripped and beaten man.
Those listening to the Parable would have thought the third person to come along and help the man would have been an ordinary Jew, after the Priest and Levite had passed him by. But he was a Samaritan man. The Jews hated Samaritans.
Jesus was stirring up the emotions of the expert of the law – bringing out all of his prejudice and racism. He asked who had been a neighbour to this man. The expert said it was the one who had shown mercy. He couldn’t even bring himself to say it was the Samaritan!
Think about the people in your world...who will be a neighbour to those people?
4 important truths to share from the teachings of Jesus
We were created to love people
Racism and prejudice entered our world because of the fall. God is love. We are made in his image. It’s in you! God loves people...we love people.
1 John 4:8,16 – (8) Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (16) And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
Love the one you’re with
Bear one another’s burdens. Your husband isn’t perfect, your wife isn’t perfect! Love them.
Love is more than a feeling, it’s a commitment
It can be a challenge to love people...we need to make a commitment to bring heaven into our world.
1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 – (13) Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (14) And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (15) Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
Love always involves giving
Don’t rob people of what God wants to give them. Give to those in need. There are those who need something from you – time, food, clothing, money, prayers, encouragement.
What kind of neighbour can you be? Let us bring light and life to those around us. Make a big difference in this world.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Pass the Salt I
Paul Benger began a two-part series this morning in church entitled ‘Pass the Salt’. The first part was called ‘God’s people’. A great message.
Matthew 5:13-16
Apparently there are 14,000 uses for salt!
The religious leaders thought ‘the law’ was the salt and light of the world. Jesus came and turned that concept on its head!
Four elements of Jesus’ teaching...
Your are the people of God
You are the salt of the earth, not the law. It’s not about rules and regulations.
Your get to bring Heaven to Earth
As the people of God, this was the thrust of Jesus’ teaching - you get to bring Heaven NOW!
Matthew 6:9-10 - (9) This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (10) your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
You are called to this life
...of being the people of God and bringing Heaven to earth.
Your life tells the story
Your life tells the message of Jesus, the message that’s good news.
Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Let your life tell a good story – of God’s grace and mercy.
We receive what we give away...give away heaven and you will receive heaven.
Five things that salt does, that we should do in bringing Heaven to earth.
Salt adds flavour
It makes things taste better. We can make life taste better. Be the kind of person that people like to be around.
Salt preserves
It keeps things fresh and clean. We hold back and prevent decay. As the church engage in the environmental debate. Our purpose here is to prevent decay.
If we take the church out of the world what would happen? Evil would consume the world completely. We preserve life, while ever we are here people can find a way to God through Christ. We are preservative people.
Salt melts coldness
We need to show authentic Christianity to our world. People need to meet you, your warmth, kindness and compassion.
Salt heals
When we are around people we can bring healing and hope to people’s lives. Connecting with the people of God will bring hope and healing. Making the difference.
Salt creates thirst
People want significance and value. It’s not about money and fame.
People are thirsty, we can create thirst – salt of the earth. We can give it away – God’s love.
Be who you are...the people of God. You are salty...you can’t lose that saltiness.
You can make life taste better for those around you. You can make the difference.
Matthew 5:13-16
Apparently there are 14,000 uses for salt!
The religious leaders thought ‘the law’ was the salt and light of the world. Jesus came and turned that concept on its head!
Four elements of Jesus’ teaching...
Your are the people of God
You are the salt of the earth, not the law. It’s not about rules and regulations.
Your get to bring Heaven to Earth
As the people of God, this was the thrust of Jesus’ teaching - you get to bring Heaven NOW!
Matthew 6:9-10 - (9) This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (10) your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
You are called to this life
...of being the people of God and bringing Heaven to earth.
Your life tells the story
Your life tells the message of Jesus, the message that’s good news.
Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Let your life tell a good story – of God’s grace and mercy.
We receive what we give away...give away heaven and you will receive heaven.
Five things that salt does, that we should do in bringing Heaven to earth.
Salt adds flavour
It makes things taste better. We can make life taste better. Be the kind of person that people like to be around.
Salt preserves
It keeps things fresh and clean. We hold back and prevent decay. As the church engage in the environmental debate. Our purpose here is to prevent decay.
If we take the church out of the world what would happen? Evil would consume the world completely. We preserve life, while ever we are here people can find a way to God through Christ. We are preservative people.
Salt melts coldness
We need to show authentic Christianity to our world. People need to meet you, your warmth, kindness and compassion.
Salt heals
When we are around people we can bring healing and hope to people’s lives. Connecting with the people of God will bring hope and healing. Making the difference.
Salt creates thirst
People want significance and value. It’s not about money and fame.
People are thirsty, we can create thirst – salt of the earth. We can give it away – God’s love.
Be who you are...the people of God. You are salty...you can’t lose that saltiness.
You can make life taste better for those around you. You can make the difference.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Who Are You?
Great time in church this morning. Jeannie Benger spoke on the importance of knowing who we are.
Different things in your life define who you are. Knowing who you are has great value to you and to those around you. Vision is hindered if we don’t know who we are.
In society image is everything. Certain things make us more acceptable. What is important is how God is to us. We live to an audience of ONE.
Proverbs 3:6 - Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take
The things that ‘make’ us...
Be clothed in Christ
Where Him well. We show Christ to those around us.
Galatians 3:26-27 – (26) For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (27) And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.
The way we wear God effects those around us and helps them to shape their future.
Be confident in who you are
Knowing God, having a relationship with Him gives us great confidence.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 – (4) We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. (5) It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
Have a Godly confidence in all areas of life. Don’t compare yourselves with others. Have bold confidence in who you are...a child of God.
1 John 3:21-22 – (21) Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. (22) And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.
Be accepted
Very often people don’t feel accepted. You are accepted by God. Even before he created anything, God loved you!
Ephesians 1:4-8 – (4) Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. (5) God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. (6) So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. (7) He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (8) He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
The cross should always remind us we are accepted.
Know that you are chosen
You are special and you are loved. He takes our lives and turns them into an original masterpiece.
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Different things in your life define who you are. Knowing who you are has great value to you and to those around you. Vision is hindered if we don’t know who we are.
In society image is everything. Certain things make us more acceptable. What is important is how God is to us. We live to an audience of ONE.
Proverbs 3:6 - Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take
The things that ‘make’ us...
Be clothed in Christ
Where Him well. We show Christ to those around us.
Galatians 3:26-27 – (26) For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (27) And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.
The way we wear God effects those around us and helps them to shape their future.
Be confident in who you are
Knowing God, having a relationship with Him gives us great confidence.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 – (4) We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. (5) It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
Have a Godly confidence in all areas of life. Don’t compare yourselves with others. Have bold confidence in who you are...a child of God.
1 John 3:21-22 – (21) Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. (22) And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.
Be accepted
Very often people don’t feel accepted. You are accepted by God. Even before he created anything, God loved you!
Ephesians 1:4-8 – (4) Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. (5) God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. (6) So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. (7) He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (8) He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
The cross should always remind us we are accepted.
Know that you are chosen
You are special and you are loved. He takes our lives and turns them into an original masterpiece.
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Get a Grip IV
A great finish to our Series on self-control in church this morning. Paul Benger spoke on the subject of ‘refuelling’.
Living life without the Holy Spirit within us could be likened to trying to drive a car without an engine or without any fuel in the tank.
Growth and change is about submitting your life to God. We’re meant to change, not to get comfortable. We need to be constantly refuelled. Submitted to the work of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:5; 3:8 – Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
You cannot become a Christian without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power and strength we need for life. As individuals and collectively as the church.
Acts 10:38 - God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Jesus did his work in the power of the Holy Spirit. As New Testament Christians we too can live a life full of the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. To have control of our lives we need to be refuelled!
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? The church is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. A community where God puts the life of His Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19 - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.
We are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We are carriers of God’s Spirit into the world.
4 keys to living by the Holy Spirit...
Choose to live according to the life of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:16 – So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Honouring, lifting, blessing others. Not living for self, mean spirited. Be students of what is good and godly in life.
Crucify the flesh
Galatians 5:24 – Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Realise there are some places we are not meant to go, things we are not meant to do. Get the right kind of walls or protection in your life.
Know what the life of the Holy Spirit looks like
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Have the fruits of the spirit in your life.
Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:25 – Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Be refuelled. To help you, give you strength, to do you good!
Living life without the Holy Spirit within us could be likened to trying to drive a car without an engine or without any fuel in the tank.
Growth and change is about submitting your life to God. We’re meant to change, not to get comfortable. We need to be constantly refuelled. Submitted to the work of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:5; 3:8 – Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
You cannot become a Christian without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power and strength we need for life. As individuals and collectively as the church.
Acts 10:38 - God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Jesus did his work in the power of the Holy Spirit. As New Testament Christians we too can live a life full of the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. To have control of our lives we need to be refuelled!
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? The church is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. A community where God puts the life of His Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19 - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.
We are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We are carriers of God’s Spirit into the world.
4 keys to living by the Holy Spirit...
Choose to live according to the life of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:16 – So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Honouring, lifting, blessing others. Not living for self, mean spirited. Be students of what is good and godly in life.
Crucify the flesh
Galatians 5:24 – Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Realise there are some places we are not meant to go, things we are not meant to do. Get the right kind of walls or protection in your life.
Know what the life of the Holy Spirit looks like
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Have the fruits of the spirit in your life.
Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:25 – Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Be refuelled. To help you, give you strength, to do you good!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Addition to the Family
Here is our new addition to the Lloyd family.
Her name is Libby and she is 8 weeks old.
With a family consisting of mainly boys we felt it important (or at least Jane and Amy did) that we went for a girl.
Had it been a boy we would have named him Hurley. Can you guess what we love to watch on TV?
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Get a Grip III
I took the third session in our Series on self-control this morning. It was all about building walls, having the right boundaries or weapons of protection in our life.
Proverbs 25:28 – Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control
Only the ‘truly free’ will live within boundaries because they know that those boundaries maintain the freedom they enjoy. Putting the right boundaries in place can ensure that what flows into your world is full of life and not death.
What looks like self-control is actually the result of letting someone else take control. Self-control, biblically speaking, means walking by the Spirit, under the Lordship of Christ. God is saying, ‘take control of you life by letting me be Lord of it!’ Follow me...my word, my teaching. Build your life on me.
In order to understand the fruit of the Spirit of self-control it’s helpful to describe what the absence of self-control looks like.
Proverbs 25:28 explains it clearly of the individual living out of control, ‘Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control’
The person who lacks self-restraint is like a city that has no effective defence. They are not able to resist those things that can destroy their lives and the lives of others.
1 Samuel 13:16-22
It’s all about people living life without the weapons to protect themselves. When we live life without having the right boundaries/weapons to protect ourselves this is like living a life where certain things are allowed to have a foothold in our life.
Look out for the ‘raiding parties’! All of us are subject to some extent to certain kinds of raiding parties - if we don’t have the appropriate weapons and defences when they come we might find ourselves in difficult situations, where instead of bringing life they come to rob and steal us of life. These raiding parties come into our life in order to try to move us to the wrong place.
We need to know how to deal with the raiding parties
We need to have our own blacksmiths – know how to build weapons. So that in conflict we are prepared.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Start to protect yourself from the Raiding Parties. Here it says, “put on” the full armour of God! There’s action involved…something we have to do. Doesn’t just happen because we are Christians.
The Belt of Truth
The truth that Paul is talking about is not from the opinions of our mind or what others might think. The truth that matters more than anything else is truth that comes from God.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Righteousness is the standing that we are given when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Jesus is the one who makes us right with God the Father. It is Jesus that gives us a right relationship with God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
The Sandals of Peace
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Go where your salvation leads you. They won’t lead you to places where we’re not to meant go...but where we should go.
The peace that we have in Christ gives us a firm standing in any situation that life can throw at us.
The Shield of Faith
The Devil assaults us with fiery attacks.
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
The sign of the Christian soldier is that we are to place our complete trust in God. It is our faith that becomes our shield from the fiery attacks of the Devil.
The Helmet of salvation
Thus the mind becomes one of the most vital areas to protect.
Romans 8:6 - The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
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.
The mind is the source for every action and every attitude that is part of our lives.
The Sword of the Spirit
Purpose of the sword - The sword was used for both offence and defence.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Our sword is the word of God. The scriptures give us the ability to fight back against the schemes and the plans of the enemy, of any raiding party.
And the last verse encourages us to...
Pray in the Spirit
(18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Proverbs 25:28 – Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control
Only the ‘truly free’ will live within boundaries because they know that those boundaries maintain the freedom they enjoy. Putting the right boundaries in place can ensure that what flows into your world is full of life and not death.
What looks like self-control is actually the result of letting someone else take control. Self-control, biblically speaking, means walking by the Spirit, under the Lordship of Christ. God is saying, ‘take control of you life by letting me be Lord of it!’ Follow me...my word, my teaching. Build your life on me.
In order to understand the fruit of the Spirit of self-control it’s helpful to describe what the absence of self-control looks like.
Proverbs 25:28 explains it clearly of the individual living out of control, ‘Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control’
The person who lacks self-restraint is like a city that has no effective defence. They are not able to resist those things that can destroy their lives and the lives of others.
1 Samuel 13:16-22
It’s all about people living life without the weapons to protect themselves. When we live life without having the right boundaries/weapons to protect ourselves this is like living a life where certain things are allowed to have a foothold in our life.
Look out for the ‘raiding parties’! All of us are subject to some extent to certain kinds of raiding parties - if we don’t have the appropriate weapons and defences when they come we might find ourselves in difficult situations, where instead of bringing life they come to rob and steal us of life. These raiding parties come into our life in order to try to move us to the wrong place.
We need to know how to deal with the raiding parties
We need to have our own blacksmiths – know how to build weapons. So that in conflict we are prepared.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Start to protect yourself from the Raiding Parties. Here it says, “put on” the full armour of God! There’s action involved…something we have to do. Doesn’t just happen because we are Christians.
The Belt of Truth
The truth that Paul is talking about is not from the opinions of our mind or what others might think. The truth that matters more than anything else is truth that comes from God.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Righteousness is the standing that we are given when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Jesus is the one who makes us right with God the Father. It is Jesus that gives us a right relationship with God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
The Sandals of Peace
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Go where your salvation leads you. They won’t lead you to places where we’re not to meant go...but where we should go.
The peace that we have in Christ gives us a firm standing in any situation that life can throw at us.
The Shield of Faith
The Devil assaults us with fiery attacks.
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
The sign of the Christian soldier is that we are to place our complete trust in God. It is our faith that becomes our shield from the fiery attacks of the Devil.
The Helmet of salvation
Thus the mind becomes one of the most vital areas to protect.
Romans 8:6 - The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
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.
The mind is the source for every action and every attitude that is part of our lives.
The Sword of the Spirit
Purpose of the sword - The sword was used for both offence and defence.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Our sword is the word of God. The scriptures give us the ability to fight back against the schemes and the plans of the enemy, of any raiding party.
And the last verse encourages us to...
Pray in the Spirit
(18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Get a Grip II
Paul continued our series this morning on the subject of self-control. This week was all about ‘taking charge’ of our lives.
Galatians 5:16-23
Human nature easily gets out of control. Self-control is knowing when to stop. It is having the strength to reign ones self in, to set a course of action in your life and to stick to it. It is also the ability to make a mistake realise it’s a mistake and not do it again.
Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
We sometimes don’t feel we’ve got the strength to take control, but God helps us…He is our strength.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
We’re not just running for a temporary prize we’re running for an eternal reward. Get the strength needed to run well.
To take charge, to take control we need to…
Be Strong
Proverbs 24:5 - The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
Being strong is not just about the physical, our will, it’s about increasing our wisdom and gaining knowledge. This strengthens our core...the inner person.
Be Kingdom Minded
Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
The Kingdom of God is not a geographical place – it’s an a attitude, a spiritual place. Where we do the right thing (righteousness). What is the Kingdom thing to do? Where we stay calm not fretful (peace). Where we never underestimate the enemies attempt to stop us being happy (joy) – living with gratitude in our lives.
Be Prayerful
Talk to God, include him in every area of your life. Pray for all things...he loves to answer us.
John 16:4 – Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete
John 4:2 – You do not have, because you do not ask God
Be Faithful
Being full of faith and being consistent. God sees our faithfulness and he blesses and honours those who are faithful.
Proverbs 28:20 – A faithful man will be richly blessed
Faithfully being in God’s house – God blesses those who gather faithfully.
Be Courageous
James 2:20 - But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Being courageous is all about us taking ACTION. And taking control is sometimes going to need COURAGE. To pull back from bad habits is going to take courage.
Galatians 5:16-23
Human nature easily gets out of control. Self-control is knowing when to stop. It is having the strength to reign ones self in, to set a course of action in your life and to stick to it. It is also the ability to make a mistake realise it’s a mistake and not do it again.
Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
We sometimes don’t feel we’ve got the strength to take control, but God helps us…He is our strength.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
We’re not just running for a temporary prize we’re running for an eternal reward. Get the strength needed to run well.
To take charge, to take control we need to…
Be Strong
Proverbs 24:5 - The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
Being strong is not just about the physical, our will, it’s about increasing our wisdom and gaining knowledge. This strengthens our core...the inner person.
Be Kingdom Minded
Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
The Kingdom of God is not a geographical place – it’s an a attitude, a spiritual place. Where we do the right thing (righteousness). What is the Kingdom thing to do? Where we stay calm not fretful (peace). Where we never underestimate the enemies attempt to stop us being happy (joy) – living with gratitude in our lives.
Be Prayerful
Talk to God, include him in every area of your life. Pray for all things...he loves to answer us.
John 16:4 – Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete
John 4:2 – You do not have, because you do not ask God
Be Faithful
Being full of faith and being consistent. God sees our faithfulness and he blesses and honours those who are faithful.
Proverbs 28:20 – A faithful man will be richly blessed
Faithfully being in God’s house – God blesses those who gather faithfully.
Be Courageous
James 2:20 - But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Being courageous is all about us taking ACTION. And taking control is sometimes going to need COURAGE. To pull back from bad habits is going to take courage.
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