What a fantastic morning in church. Mark Wilkins picked up on our Ruth series speaking from chapter 3.
We continue to see the great theme of grace and love flow from this story of Ruth and her family.
Chapter 3…this is our romantic bit of the story! Our RomCom!
Risqué moment where Naomi advises Ruth on what to do at the wild end of harvest party
Ruth 3:5-18
By her actions Ruth prompts Boaz to propose to her. Boaz responds in a godly way...with a heart of righteousness. He recognises that there might be a much closer redeemer, suitor from Naomi's family. We see a possible mismatch between them, rich and poor. He is not under any legal obligation to do this...yet he loves her!
Boaz says 'I will redeem you!'
God is under no legal obligation to redeem us. Yet he chooses through his Son to save us by his grace.
He lavishes grace and favour upon her...just like God continues to pour his grace and favour on us.
This is an incredible picture of the sovereignty of God at work
Boaz did the right thing
Ruth had to put a lot of faith and trust in him
Faith is taking risk
Sometimes we put faith in our own steps and yet the best way is to trust God's way...walk his path.
Jesus did it all for us!
He paid the price...let us trust him!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Ruth 2
Great day in church yesterday. In the morning we continued our series on the book of Ruth. I spoke on 'God in the Midst of Blessing'.
Ruth Chapter 2
Some people put a lot of weight in “luck.”
The Bible doesn’t talk at all about luck. Instead, it talks about ‘favour’; ‘grace’; ‘blessing’; ‘providence’.
We can often think of God’s favour in the same way others think about luck. Instead of blind chance, the Bible points us to a personal God who pours grace and favour on people.
How do we receive and know God’s favour/blessing in our lives?
Naomi and Ruth could certainly have blamed bad luck for their circumstances but from this story we will see an amazing story of God’s favour
Ruth 2:1 - Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz
Boaz…Man of standing; man of wealth; mighty man.
Ruth 2:3 - So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek
“As it turned out” - gives the impression of blind chance/luck. However the writer is using an ironic tone to grab our attention and turn our focus to the invisible hand of God’s providence at work in the daily affairs of ordinary people.
It just so happened she ended up in Boaz’s field...Of all the fields in all the places, she ends up in Boaz’s! Is this a coincidence? Or is God involved? God’s involvement in the affairs of people, guiding them to his intended end is what we call providence.
“A chance in outward seeming, yet a clear shaping of her course by unseen hands. Her steps were divinely guided to a certain field, that God’s good purpose should be worked out” (Anon)
God is constantly at work behind the ‘seen,’ arranging the events and people in our lives to flood us with his favour. For you…maybe the first time he took you to church and found faith in Jesus Christ. Luck or providence?
4 steps to knowing God’s favour/blessing in our lives…
1. RECOGNISE GOD’S HAND IN YOUR LIFE
We must learn to recognise God’s providence at work in our “coincidences”. If we look, we’ll see God’s hand in it!
Ruth’s request was unusual - not just to glean, but “gather among the sheaves.” Ruth asks for more than she is entitled to. She asks for provision. The picture is of a holy boldness and a confident patience, as she worked in the fields awaiting the answer.
Boaz’s answer is amazing. She got the job! Boaz gives her permanent work, meaning she doesn’t have to looking elsewhere. He also gives her protection. This is far more than she could have hoped for! She has received favour! Boaz becomes the source of God’s blessing to Ruth. If she hadn’t made the bold request, she wouldn’t have gotten the bold response. This is the second step to receiving God’s favour…
2. REQUEST GOD’S FAVOUR
We must be willing to ask God to grant us favour. James, in the NT speaking about wisdom, says “You do not have because you do not ask.”
Ruth 2:10 - At this she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favour in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
Ruth responds to the grace and favour of Boaz with an expression of gratitude. But all this overwhelming favour leads her to ask a significant question: “Why?” “Why are you doing all this for me?” It shows a remarkable humility, rather than an entitlement mindset.
Let’s look at Boaz’s answer to Ruth’s question of “Why?” As we do, we will learn something essential about why and to whom God bestows his favour.
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
It is Ruth’s faith that Boaz has responded too. She was faithful to Naomi, showing her commitment to her by leaving her homeland and going with Naomi, even after her husband died. And she has shown her faithfulness to God. She has taken refuge under his wing.
He asks God to “reimburse” her, give her the wages of faith. God rewards faith. In the NT we find these words:
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
3. REMAIN FAITHFUL
Ruth had a lot of “good luck” that day! Getting the “lucky breaks” is more than just being in the right place at the right time. When we are faithful to God, we will find God’s favour and blessing on our lives. Ruth’s faithfulness wasn’t a flash in the pan. She didn’t reap this abundant favour just for having one good day.
Remember her words to Naomi back in Chapter One…
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God”
Her faith was evident for a long time. If you want God’s favour, commit yourself to faithfulness for the long haul.
Later on in this chapter we see Naomi’s expression of praise, a reflection of her grateful heart – she is thankful! Not too long ago, she was *bitter*, but now she sees God working on her behalf, and she sees the favour bestowed upon her, and she recognizes that God is behind it, so she gives thanks.
When we realise that we have received God’s favour, it should make us grateful. This is the fourth step in receiving God’s favour. We must:
4. RESPOND WITH THANKS
When God gives us his favour, blessing, grace…we should return to him with thanksgiving. Too often we expect God’s favour, get mad if we don’t receive it, and then fail to thank him when we do.
The classic illustration of this is the 10 lepers that Jesus healed. Of the 10, only 1 returned and gave thanks. How often can we be like that?
Ruth Chapter 2
Some people put a lot of weight in “luck.”
The Bible doesn’t talk at all about luck. Instead, it talks about ‘favour’; ‘grace’; ‘blessing’; ‘providence’.
We can often think of God’s favour in the same way others think about luck. Instead of blind chance, the Bible points us to a personal God who pours grace and favour on people.
How do we receive and know God’s favour/blessing in our lives?
Naomi and Ruth could certainly have blamed bad luck for their circumstances but from this story we will see an amazing story of God’s favour
Ruth 2:1 - Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz
Boaz…Man of standing; man of wealth; mighty man.
Ruth 2:3 - So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek
“As it turned out” - gives the impression of blind chance/luck. However the writer is using an ironic tone to grab our attention and turn our focus to the invisible hand of God’s providence at work in the daily affairs of ordinary people.
It just so happened she ended up in Boaz’s field...Of all the fields in all the places, she ends up in Boaz’s! Is this a coincidence? Or is God involved? God’s involvement in the affairs of people, guiding them to his intended end is what we call providence.
“A chance in outward seeming, yet a clear shaping of her course by unseen hands. Her steps were divinely guided to a certain field, that God’s good purpose should be worked out” (Anon)
God is constantly at work behind the ‘seen,’ arranging the events and people in our lives to flood us with his favour. For you…maybe the first time he took you to church and found faith in Jesus Christ. Luck or providence?
4 steps to knowing God’s favour/blessing in our lives…
1. RECOGNISE GOD’S HAND IN YOUR LIFE
We must learn to recognise God’s providence at work in our “coincidences”. If we look, we’ll see God’s hand in it!
Ruth’s request was unusual - not just to glean, but “gather among the sheaves.” Ruth asks for more than she is entitled to. She asks for provision. The picture is of a holy boldness and a confident patience, as she worked in the fields awaiting the answer.
Boaz’s answer is amazing. She got the job! Boaz gives her permanent work, meaning she doesn’t have to looking elsewhere. He also gives her protection. This is far more than she could have hoped for! She has received favour! Boaz becomes the source of God’s blessing to Ruth. If she hadn’t made the bold request, she wouldn’t have gotten the bold response. This is the second step to receiving God’s favour…
2. REQUEST GOD’S FAVOUR
We must be willing to ask God to grant us favour. James, in the NT speaking about wisdom, says “You do not have because you do not ask.”
Ruth 2:10 - At this she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favour in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
Ruth responds to the grace and favour of Boaz with an expression of gratitude. But all this overwhelming favour leads her to ask a significant question: “Why?” “Why are you doing all this for me?” It shows a remarkable humility, rather than an entitlement mindset.
Let’s look at Boaz’s answer to Ruth’s question of “Why?” As we do, we will learn something essential about why and to whom God bestows his favour.
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
It is Ruth’s faith that Boaz has responded too. She was faithful to Naomi, showing her commitment to her by leaving her homeland and going with Naomi, even after her husband died. And she has shown her faithfulness to God. She has taken refuge under his wing.
He asks God to “reimburse” her, give her the wages of faith. God rewards faith. In the NT we find these words:
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
3. REMAIN FAITHFUL
Ruth had a lot of “good luck” that day! Getting the “lucky breaks” is more than just being in the right place at the right time. When we are faithful to God, we will find God’s favour and blessing on our lives. Ruth’s faithfulness wasn’t a flash in the pan. She didn’t reap this abundant favour just for having one good day.
Remember her words to Naomi back in Chapter One…
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God”
Her faith was evident for a long time. If you want God’s favour, commit yourself to faithfulness for the long haul.
Later on in this chapter we see Naomi’s expression of praise, a reflection of her grateful heart – she is thankful! Not too long ago, she was *bitter*, but now she sees God working on her behalf, and she sees the favour bestowed upon her, and she recognizes that God is behind it, so she gives thanks.
When we realise that we have received God’s favour, it should make us grateful. This is the fourth step in receiving God’s favour. We must:
4. RESPOND WITH THANKS
When God gives us his favour, blessing, grace…we should return to him with thanksgiving. Too often we expect God’s favour, get mad if we don’t receive it, and then fail to thank him when we do.
The classic illustration of this is the 10 lepers that Jesus healed. Of the 10, only 1 returned and gave thanks. How often can we be like that?
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Ruth 1
Great start to 2011 in church today. Paul Benger started our new series from the book of Ruth.
God in the Midst of Suffering
Ruth is written from a woman's perspective. 52% of the book is conversation!
Great themes...God is sovereign; God is kind he's not angry; God redeems...he buys back; God restores....it's not over til it's over
It's a prophetic book...it's about you and me, that Jesus is going to redeem us...an undeserving people can be redeemed!
A theme of Grace
Ruth is seen as an undeserving person...a Moabite woman. And yet she becomes a person in the line of David...where Jesus is born
Ruth Chapter 1
Naomi is retuning back to Bethlehem after the famine. She has become bitter.
Key verse in chapter one...verse 14
Ruth clung to her! Orpah leaves her.
When suffering comes...remember what matters...remember your convictions. Stay true to what you believe!
Ruth stayed true to her convictions...true to her confession.
Judges 21:25
Elimelek under pressure makes the decision...goes down into Moab for bread. He forgets what matters. Fellowship staying in Bethlehem...he forgets worship. There won't be a place of worship in Moab. He's not been captured and yet he's making a bad choice.
It's not easy in tough times to remember what is right But it's important that we do! Stay together.
Ruth 1:14, 16-17
It says that Elimelek was going to Moab just for a short while
Just a 'temporary' thing...and yet he wavered and stayed there 10 years.
When we are in times of trouble stay true to your convictions...fellowship, worship, faithfulness
How do we feel in the midst of suffering? Noami is open with her feelings.
From this chapter...
1.Even in the midst of suffering God is still at work
Romans 8:28
2. Gods people are more important than you think
Psalm 92:13
There is a turnaround coming!
He does this for a girl who stays true to her convictions.
Faithfulness is key for us today
God in the Midst of Suffering
Ruth is written from a woman's perspective. 52% of the book is conversation!
Great themes...God is sovereign; God is kind he's not angry; God redeems...he buys back; God restores....it's not over til it's over
It's a prophetic book...it's about you and me, that Jesus is going to redeem us...an undeserving people can be redeemed!
A theme of Grace
Ruth is seen as an undeserving person...a Moabite woman. And yet she becomes a person in the line of David...where Jesus is born
Ruth Chapter 1
Naomi is retuning back to Bethlehem after the famine. She has become bitter.
Key verse in chapter one...verse 14
Ruth clung to her! Orpah leaves her.
When suffering comes...remember what matters...remember your convictions. Stay true to what you believe!
Ruth stayed true to her convictions...true to her confession.
Judges 21:25
Elimelek under pressure makes the decision...goes down into Moab for bread. He forgets what matters. Fellowship staying in Bethlehem...he forgets worship. There won't be a place of worship in Moab. He's not been captured and yet he's making a bad choice.
It's not easy in tough times to remember what is right But it's important that we do! Stay together.
Ruth 1:14, 16-17
It says that Elimelek was going to Moab just for a short while
Just a 'temporary' thing...and yet he wavered and stayed there 10 years.
When we are in times of trouble stay true to your convictions...fellowship, worship, faithfulness
How do we feel in the midst of suffering? Noami is open with her feelings.
From this chapter...
1.Even in the midst of suffering God is still at work
Romans 8:28
2. Gods people are more important than you think
Psalm 92:13
There is a turnaround coming!
He does this for a girl who stays true to her convictions.
Faithfulness is key for us today
Monday, December 13, 2010
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Loved yesterday in church! Spoke in the morning on this great truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Everyone will spend a portion of their lives, if not most of them, searching for significance.
The Bible says that you are significant, unique and crafted for a particular reason. Do you believe that about yourself?
Iron Man 2 quote, “What is, and always will be, my greatest creation... is YOU”
It’s just a quote from a film…BUT in all the wonder of creation God’s greatest creation is YOU!
YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made
God loves you the way you are!
God has got a plan and a purpose for your life
Psalm 139:1-18
Look at 3 important life-changing facts from this chapter this morning…
1. Recognise the wonder of He who made you (vs.1-12)
Not only does God know all these things about us, but He wants to know us personally.
What are our thoughts on God? Do you see Him as David did? Some people think of God as a distant being who sometimes hears our prayers. He’s up there but is generally disinterested with us…too many people to think about!
He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end; He is the Creator and One true God. Marvel at Him and understand the wonder of His majesty. This same God made and crafted you!
2. Realise how amazing you are (vs.13-15)
The word wonderfully, some translations include fearfully, means to cause astonishment and awe, to inspire reverence. When you see YOU it should inspire you to be in awe of God.
Can you see how seeing yourself like this would affect your self-worth?
Jesus highlights the kind of God we serve and His interest in each person by saying in…
Luke 12:7, “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.”
You are wonderfully made!
3. Remember your purpose (vs.16-18)
He knew who you would be before you were born and He has always had a plan for you.
Forget what others have said about you; listen to what God is saying to you this morning. You are significant to Him!
1 Peter 2:9-10
2 Corinthians 5:17
Made for a Purpose – we have a ‘destiny’! Let me tell you a couple of things about Destiny.
1. You’ve got one!
Jeremiah 29:11-12, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
No the bible says you are a marvellous creation of God – fearfully and wonderfully made! You are not an accident! Your birth was not a coincident – nor a random event.
2. You are the right person at the right time designed with God’s purpose in mind!
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
You are the right person – not a different person! You are at the right time! Today!
You reflect the splendour of your Creator and He is truly majestic.
YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made
God loves you the way you are!
God has got a plan and a purpose for your life
Everyone will spend a portion of their lives, if not most of them, searching for significance.
The Bible says that you are significant, unique and crafted for a particular reason. Do you believe that about yourself?
Iron Man 2 quote, “What is, and always will be, my greatest creation... is YOU”
It’s just a quote from a film…BUT in all the wonder of creation God’s greatest creation is YOU!
YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made
God loves you the way you are!
God has got a plan and a purpose for your life
Psalm 139:1-18
Look at 3 important life-changing facts from this chapter this morning…
1. Recognise the wonder of He who made you (vs.1-12)
Not only does God know all these things about us, but He wants to know us personally.
What are our thoughts on God? Do you see Him as David did? Some people think of God as a distant being who sometimes hears our prayers. He’s up there but is generally disinterested with us…too many people to think about!
He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end; He is the Creator and One true God. Marvel at Him and understand the wonder of His majesty. This same God made and crafted you!
2. Realise how amazing you are (vs.13-15)
The word wonderfully, some translations include fearfully, means to cause astonishment and awe, to inspire reverence. When you see YOU it should inspire you to be in awe of God.
Can you see how seeing yourself like this would affect your self-worth?
Jesus highlights the kind of God we serve and His interest in each person by saying in…
Luke 12:7, “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.”
You are wonderfully made!
3. Remember your purpose (vs.16-18)
He knew who you would be before you were born and He has always had a plan for you.
Forget what others have said about you; listen to what God is saying to you this morning. You are significant to Him!
1 Peter 2:9-10
2 Corinthians 5:17
Made for a Purpose – we have a ‘destiny’! Let me tell you a couple of things about Destiny.
1. You’ve got one!
Jeremiah 29:11-12, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
No the bible says you are a marvellous creation of God – fearfully and wonderfully made! You are not an accident! Your birth was not a coincident – nor a random event.
2. You are the right person at the right time designed with God’s purpose in mind!
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
You are the right person – not a different person! You are at the right time! Today!
You reflect the splendour of your Creator and He is truly majestic.
YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made
God loves you the way you are!
God has got a plan and a purpose for your life
Sunday, December 05, 2010
God the Builder 3
Loved this message from our mini series "God the Builder" in church today, spoken by Paul Benger.
Ephesians 4:11-16
God is a builder and he builds us. What you say will shape your life.
'sticks and stones...' that saying is not true. Words do have an incredible impact on our lives.
God builds up the church through what we say. There is a way of conversing that builds up lives.
Speaking the truth in love...
This isn't 'say it as it is'! Critical spirit. But this isn't what Paul is talking about.
Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 10:21...the lips of the righteous feed many
It feeds and grows!
Before we think what we ought to say why are we going to say it. What is our motive?
We want this church to be like that... to speak in love and to see peoples lives built up. Prosper one another.
Our God connections, the church we are planted in, is our supply for life and growth. Faith, hope, grace, mercy all these things are sourced through those God connections.
We can't dismiss one another we need each other, to rejoice with one another, to celebrate together...to mourn together.
Having the motive of love. Speaking the truth in love.
We need to understand how great God's forgiveness is.
Sin is rebellion, to do our own thing and we don't need God in our lives to rule over us.
Jesus died so that we would be forgiven and that we could have the relationship God wants to have with us.
Incredible forgiveness of our rebellion. We cannot do it on our own, we will always fall short. We are saved and forgiven all because of wast Christ has done for us.
Hebrews 3:13 - encourage one another
Some of the things we need to communicate to one another...
God saves people, he rescues
God restores, broken lives get restored
God renews, he heals
God can fill us with his Spirit, not a spirit of despair
God forgives, continually
God provides, his providence...the invisible hand of God, preparing us for the future. Believe God for miracles of providence today.
God protects, Psalm 124:2,7-8
God knows, God loves
God is our strength...I can do all things...
God is good!
We don't just speak to others these things...we speak them to ourselves too.
Ephesians 4:11-16
God is a builder and he builds us. What you say will shape your life.
'sticks and stones...' that saying is not true. Words do have an incredible impact on our lives.
God builds up the church through what we say. There is a way of conversing that builds up lives.
Speaking the truth in love...
This isn't 'say it as it is'! Critical spirit. But this isn't what Paul is talking about.
Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 10:21...the lips of the righteous feed many
It feeds and grows!
Before we think what we ought to say why are we going to say it. What is our motive?
We want this church to be like that... to speak in love and to see peoples lives built up. Prosper one another.
Our God connections, the church we are planted in, is our supply for life and growth. Faith, hope, grace, mercy all these things are sourced through those God connections.
We can't dismiss one another we need each other, to rejoice with one another, to celebrate together...to mourn together.
Having the motive of love. Speaking the truth in love.
We need to understand how great God's forgiveness is.
Sin is rebellion, to do our own thing and we don't need God in our lives to rule over us.
Jesus died so that we would be forgiven and that we could have the relationship God wants to have with us.
Incredible forgiveness of our rebellion. We cannot do it on our own, we will always fall short. We are saved and forgiven all because of wast Christ has done for us.
Hebrews 3:13 - encourage one another
Some of the things we need to communicate to one another...
God saves people, he rescues
God restores, broken lives get restored
God renews, he heals
God can fill us with his Spirit, not a spirit of despair
God forgives, continually
God provides, his providence...the invisible hand of God, preparing us for the future. Believe God for miracles of providence today.
God protects, Psalm 124:2,7-8
God knows, God loves
God is our strength...I can do all things...
God is good!
We don't just speak to others these things...we speak them to ourselves too.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
God the Builder 2
Great morning in church. Paul Benger continued our mini series on 'God the Builder'. A growth inspiring message!
Ephesians 4:11-16
Whole nutha level...whole measure!
The taller we want to build the deeper we need to dig
The right foundations are crucial for our growth
The church is you and me...God is going to get his will done through us!
There can be restrictions to our growth, God addresses those issues through love. Let's get rid of those restrictions. Paul shows us from Ephesians 4 how we can do this.
We can't do this on our own...we need God in our lives at the centre...so that we can grow.
Be gentle...be at rest, people of grace
Have forgiveness in your life and the spirit of unity
Another restriction can be not recognising the gifts that God has given us. We are limited on our own...we need one another.
It's not about changing your environment but its about changing you! Who you are goes with you!
God builds us by increasing our capacity
Ephesians 4:11-12
God is into increasing our capacity. To have more influence. He has a blue print for your life...he hasn't changed it, he still believes in you! He restores us. Renewed...but back to it's original order. Shalom...nothing missing, nothing broken.
God is working towards his vision for us.
He builds us through the fruit of the Spirit...
Galatians 5:22
He builds us through the gifts of the Spirit...
Romans 12:6-8
He builds us through natural gifts but also supernatural gifts
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
These gifts are for the common good to build up the church
Not for our own individual good, to promote us
These are gifts of Gods grace (charismata)...gifts that rely on the grace of God.
Ephesians 4:11
It all happens in church! Success begins on Sunday.
It's all part of God growing us, equipping us...increasing our capacity. Enabling us to navigate life well.
Ephesians 4:11-16
Whole nutha level...whole measure!
The taller we want to build the deeper we need to dig
The right foundations are crucial for our growth
The church is you and me...God is going to get his will done through us!
There can be restrictions to our growth, God addresses those issues through love. Let's get rid of those restrictions. Paul shows us from Ephesians 4 how we can do this.
We can't do this on our own...we need God in our lives at the centre...so that we can grow.
Be gentle...be at rest, people of grace
Have forgiveness in your life and the spirit of unity
Another restriction can be not recognising the gifts that God has given us. We are limited on our own...we need one another.
It's not about changing your environment but its about changing you! Who you are goes with you!
God builds us by increasing our capacity
Ephesians 4:11-12
God is into increasing our capacity. To have more influence. He has a blue print for your life...he hasn't changed it, he still believes in you! He restores us. Renewed...but back to it's original order. Shalom...nothing missing, nothing broken.
God is working towards his vision for us.
He builds us through the fruit of the Spirit...
Galatians 5:22
He builds us through the gifts of the Spirit...
Romans 12:6-8
He builds us through natural gifts but also supernatural gifts
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
These gifts are for the common good to build up the church
Not for our own individual good, to promote us
These are gifts of Gods grace (charismata)...gifts that rely on the grace of God.
Ephesians 4:11
It all happens in church! Success begins on Sunday.
It's all part of God growing us, equipping us...increasing our capacity. Enabling us to navigate life well.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
God is a Builder
Loved this message from Paul Benger this morning in church. All about the fact that God is a Builder.
Ephesians 4:1-16
How does God build our lives?
God is into growth! Development, advancement etc
The higher we build the deeper God has to put the foundations into our lives
God develops us, test us, stretches us so that we can grow!
God takes us from a place of unbelief to a place of faith and trust
Progress is built inside of us...human nature!
If you're alive, breathing! Then you're going to want to grow!
Myths about our growth...
If we face a challenge it's not a rejection by God...he is building something our lives
Myth 1. Every growth step is met by a miracle...not always, it can start with a miracle but then God builds kingdom principles into our lives...step by step!
Myth 2. All I need Jesus...it's true but it's also not true. There are times when that might be all we've got...but that's not how we are meant to live. We need one another. The church.
Jesus is more than enough
Myth 3. I just need to read my bible. It's a partial truth. We need to put his words into practice.
Myth 4. I need new surroundings. Sometimes... but what we need is a new us! We go where ever we go! Let God change us.
1. God reveals our calling
Ephesians 4:1
2 Timothy 1:8-9
God has called us...we need to appreciate that! Don't lose sight of this! Sin separated us from God but we've been rescued...saved but also called. We are here to rescue the world!
How do I live out this calling? To live this great life that God has given us. Serve where you are...flourish.
2. God nurtures us in a unified body
Ephesians 4:3, 13
God builds in environment of unity. Things cannot be built in a place of disunity.
God has placed us in his church...an environment of unity...of the Spirit
Ephesians 4:2-3 - unity matters (Psalm 133)
God grows us by giving us an environment of unity
3. God builds us by his grace
Ephesians 4:7-8
Favour...an enabling by God.
God’s grace is sufficient for me! (Paul)
God is going to make a champion out of you!
Grace environments will cause you to flourish...even when we fall and fail.
God has given us more than enough!
God is wanting to build us, CLC, so that he can populate us with more and more people!
Ephesians 4:1-16
How does God build our lives?
God is into growth! Development, advancement etc
The higher we build the deeper God has to put the foundations into our lives
God develops us, test us, stretches us so that we can grow!
God takes us from a place of unbelief to a place of faith and trust
Progress is built inside of us...human nature!
If you're alive, breathing! Then you're going to want to grow!
Myths about our growth...
If we face a challenge it's not a rejection by God...he is building something our lives
Myth 1. Every growth step is met by a miracle...not always, it can start with a miracle but then God builds kingdom principles into our lives...step by step!
Myth 2. All I need Jesus...it's true but it's also not true. There are times when that might be all we've got...but that's not how we are meant to live. We need one another. The church.
Jesus is more than enough
Myth 3. I just need to read my bible. It's a partial truth. We need to put his words into practice.
Myth 4. I need new surroundings. Sometimes... but what we need is a new us! We go where ever we go! Let God change us.
1. God reveals our calling
Ephesians 4:1
2 Timothy 1:8-9
God has called us...we need to appreciate that! Don't lose sight of this! Sin separated us from God but we've been rescued...saved but also called. We are here to rescue the world!
How do I live out this calling? To live this great life that God has given us. Serve where you are...flourish.
2. God nurtures us in a unified body
Ephesians 4:3, 13
God builds in environment of unity. Things cannot be built in a place of disunity.
God has placed us in his church...an environment of unity...of the Spirit
Ephesians 4:2-3 - unity matters (Psalm 133)
God grows us by giving us an environment of unity
3. God builds us by his grace
Ephesians 4:7-8
Favour...an enabling by God.
God’s grace is sufficient for me! (Paul)
God is going to make a champion out of you!
Grace environments will cause you to flourish...even when we fall and fail.
God has given us more than enough!
God is wanting to build us, CLC, so that he can populate us with more and more people!
Monday, November 08, 2010
Involved!
Great day in church yesterday. Mark Wilkins spoke in both services about us all getting ‘Involved’ in the building of the church.
We all play a part in this great work of the church and in particular here at CLC.
Don't just go to church...be church
Matthew 22:27-40
God loves people and has a plan for their lives...even those that rub you up the wrong way!
We serve God and we serve people.
James 2
True faith means we love people as well as God...good works naturally flow It becomes who we are Don't have a consumer mentality with regards to church...be the church!
Matthew 16:17-18
Acts 1:7-8
Our mission is to build the church. Plan A...there is no plan B!
The local church is the hope for the world People doing great things for God together is the church...not just buildings.
1 Corinthians 12:7
Romans 12:4-8
There is a role for each one of us in the church and we are all different! But every part working together is vital to a healthy body.
Acts 2:42-47
The early church was a group of people being church.
Church is at its best when helping others lifting their lives
Church is at its best when people stop attending church and start being church
Future-Engage-Deliver
What it takes to be a great volunteer...
Future...those whose future is aligned to building the church. We have a vision of what we believe the church should look like.
Engage...we can agree with the vision...but to be a great volunteer we need to engage with vision, get involved! Carry the vision...not just look at it and nod our heads.
Deliver...we set our goals alongside the vision, the future of the church. Commitment to seeing it through! A great volunteer desires to deliver.
We all play a part in this great work of the church and in particular here at CLC.
Don't just go to church...be church
Matthew 22:27-40
God loves people and has a plan for their lives...even those that rub you up the wrong way!
We serve God and we serve people.
James 2
True faith means we love people as well as God...good works naturally flow It becomes who we are Don't have a consumer mentality with regards to church...be the church!
Matthew 16:17-18
Acts 1:7-8
Our mission is to build the church. Plan A...there is no plan B!
The local church is the hope for the world People doing great things for God together is the church...not just buildings.
1 Corinthians 12:7
Romans 12:4-8
There is a role for each one of us in the church and we are all different! But every part working together is vital to a healthy body.
Acts 2:42-47
The early church was a group of people being church.
Church is at its best when helping others lifting their lives
Church is at its best when people stop attending church and start being church
Future-Engage-Deliver
What it takes to be a great volunteer...
Future...those whose future is aligned to building the church. We have a vision of what we believe the church should look like.
Engage...we can agree with the vision...but to be a great volunteer we need to engage with vision, get involved! Carry the vision...not just look at it and nod our heads.
Deliver...we set our goals alongside the vision, the future of the church. Commitment to seeing it through! A great volunteer desires to deliver.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Great morning in church. Paul Benger spoke an excellent message about 'turning up the heat'.
You're not hot and you're not cold (Jesus)
God doesn't want to tell us what we're not...but to turn up the heat in our lives!
God is alive and his church is alive!
We want to be passionate but we want to be powerful as well.
Some things that help us keep the heat up...
1. Live surrendered
Matthew 6:31-34
Do Jesus in the first person not through someone else
We surrender our lives to him. We worship him...surrendered.
It's not difficult to serve when we're surrendered
We're serving him...not the organisation.
We need a revelation of Jesus Christ for our lives
When we surrender God adds to our life
Surrender turns the heat up, worry turns the heat down
Matthew 6:34 (MSG)
2. Live 'others' oriented
Matthew 20:26-28
Serving is something we are...not something we do
We are not cynical about our leadership we desire to serve
There is a joy that is added to our lives when we serve others
3. Live purposefully
Live your life on purpose. As for me and my household...we will serve the Lord
Make decisions in your life to put his kingdom first
Proverbs 16:9
God has got steps for you...your life is not random
Psalm 37:23
'Why' isn't an issue when we live purposefully...
How are we going to move forward?
4. Choose forgiveness as a lifestyle
Forgiveness turns the heat up. Unforgiveness turns the heat down!
Luke 17:1-4
Our actions can cause others to stumble but our reactions can cause us to stumble.
You're not hot and you're not cold (Jesus)
God doesn't want to tell us what we're not...but to turn up the heat in our lives!
God is alive and his church is alive!
We want to be passionate but we want to be powerful as well.
Some things that help us keep the heat up...
1. Live surrendered
Matthew 6:31-34
Do Jesus in the first person not through someone else
We surrender our lives to him. We worship him...surrendered.
It's not difficult to serve when we're surrendered
We're serving him...not the organisation.
We need a revelation of Jesus Christ for our lives
When we surrender God adds to our life
Surrender turns the heat up, worry turns the heat down
Matthew 6:34 (MSG)
2. Live 'others' oriented
Matthew 20:26-28
Serving is something we are...not something we do
We are not cynical about our leadership we desire to serve
There is a joy that is added to our lives when we serve others
3. Live purposefully
Live your life on purpose. As for me and my household...we will serve the Lord
Make decisions in your life to put his kingdom first
Proverbs 16:9
God has got steps for you...your life is not random
Psalm 37:23
'Why' isn't an issue when we live purposefully...
How are we going to move forward?
4. Choose forgiveness as a lifestyle
Forgiveness turns the heat up. Unforgiveness turns the heat down!
Luke 17:1-4
Our actions can cause others to stumble but our reactions can cause us to stumble.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Hope
Great morning…great message! Jeannie Benger spoke on the importance of having hope in our lives.
Proverbs 13:12
Live a life of hope with and anticipation and expectation
The forward view of the righteous...we look forward to!
As a church we will always look forward to the future
There is always a battle against your dreams and hopes
There is an enemy that wants to remove your hope
God is a God of hope and he wants to cement this hope in your life
Your heart condition is important for the well being of your life
Hebrews 6:19
Keep your life under control with the anchor of hope. The God of hope wants to fill your life with it!
Hope deferred is unrelenting disappointment...despair comes, and we become desperate. Don't let hope slide!
We can become reckless without hope. Our heart becomes sick.
Hopelessness is a close cousin of the impossible
That's the bad news!
Now the good news...
Luke 1:37
Romans 5:5
Hope doesn't disappoint us.
Abraham was at that point of hopelessness. Yet he served the God of the impossible.
Romans 4:18...he believed! Against all hope...he put his trust in God and in his hope.
We serve a God of hope...even where things seem impossible. With God all things are possible!
Even trouble that we face can become a doorway of hope
God wants to turn these situations around
Romans 5:1-3
in the Kingdom of God rather than go down because of trouble...we can go through trouble!
God is building our character when we go through trouble
God is building hope into your life...even patience!!
Today we hate to wait! Let God build something strong and lasting in your life.
Keys to hope that brings life to our dreams...
1. Your Focus
We always put our hope or focus on someone
Your focus is critical
Proverbs 24:14 (MSG)
Get Godly wisdom in your life. The right focus in your life.
Focus on Jesus.
2. Your surroundings
God's house should always be a house of hope
We can have a hope in God by serving him now...not just looking to a future eternity.
Hope for now! That's what God wants to give us today!
Spread hope wherever you go...
Surround yourselves with good friends! Who cheer you on!
3. Faith
Faith and hope are inseparable partners
Hebrews 11:1
We can get hold of God's promises today...that give us hope for now and the future!
Proverbs 13:12
Live a life of hope with and anticipation and expectation
The forward view of the righteous...we look forward to!
As a church we will always look forward to the future
There is always a battle against your dreams and hopes
There is an enemy that wants to remove your hope
God is a God of hope and he wants to cement this hope in your life
Your heart condition is important for the well being of your life
Hebrews 6:19
Keep your life under control with the anchor of hope. The God of hope wants to fill your life with it!
Hope deferred is unrelenting disappointment...despair comes, and we become desperate. Don't let hope slide!
We can become reckless without hope. Our heart becomes sick.
Hopelessness is a close cousin of the impossible
That's the bad news!
Now the good news...
Luke 1:37
Romans 5:5
Hope doesn't disappoint us.
Abraham was at that point of hopelessness. Yet he served the God of the impossible.
Romans 4:18...he believed! Against all hope...he put his trust in God and in his hope.
We serve a God of hope...even where things seem impossible. With God all things are possible!
Even trouble that we face can become a doorway of hope
God wants to turn these situations around
Romans 5:1-3
in the Kingdom of God rather than go down because of trouble...we can go through trouble!
God is building our character when we go through trouble
God is building hope into your life...even patience!!
Today we hate to wait! Let God build something strong and lasting in your life.
Keys to hope that brings life to our dreams...
1. Your Focus
We always put our hope or focus on someone
Your focus is critical
Proverbs 24:14 (MSG)
Get Godly wisdom in your life. The right focus in your life.
Focus on Jesus.
2. Your surroundings
God's house should always be a house of hope
We can have a hope in God by serving him now...not just looking to a future eternity.
Hope for now! That's what God wants to give us today!
Spread hope wherever you go...
Surround yourselves with good friends! Who cheer you on!
3. Faith
Faith and hope are inseparable partners
Hebrews 11:1
We can get hold of God's promises today...that give us hope for now and the future!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Rhythm - Prayer/Breathe
Loved Paul Benger's message this morning on the Rhythm of Prayer
Matthew 6:5-15
The rhythm of Prayer...beating through our life
Often people pray when they are in trouble but stop when things are ok
We need to find a good pace of prayer in our lives
Not just the big stuff but God is interested in the small stuff too. Prayer should be like breath...important to our lives
We can talk to God like he's a machine...menu choices!
God is person who wants to know us
Matthew 6:5-9 (MSG)
This is your Father who you are dealing with
You get a person not a number!
It's not about tips and techniques when praying to God
It's not mystical! It's not vain repetition...not a chant/mantra
It's much simpler than that...it's revelatory....it's life changing, world changing
It's relational, we don't have to follow routine and procedures when we approach God in prayer.
It's breath, relational and simpler than you think...prayer
Matthew 6:9-15
Its simple, powerful and effective
Not about religion and tradition
Our Father...relationship not religion, God is our father...we can't get away from that truth. He wants the best for us!
He loves us and loves being our father. A person that we can know today.
In Heaven...God reigns in this environment called heaven. We're believing that heaven touches earth when we pray and when we praise. When the church gathers...heaven is in this place! Your will being done on earth as it is in heaven. Let your kingdom come and let your will be done!
What is heaven like...look at Jesus. He brings life and hope and healing. "may his name be honoured" Jesus
Give us today our daily bread...what's important to you is important to God. He is interested in every part of your life.
Be thankful for every little thing...not just the big stuff!
It's not either or...it's both and! Believe God for daily bread.
Deliver us from the evil one...there are things in life that can be harmful, but God is our protector our strong tower. He is making our obstacles stepping stones. He grows us when trouble comes our way. Make our enemies our footstools...as we step up to another level!
Believe that...This is just another stepping stone!
Hebrews 11:6
Matthew 6:5-15
The rhythm of Prayer...beating through our life
Often people pray when they are in trouble but stop when things are ok
We need to find a good pace of prayer in our lives
Not just the big stuff but God is interested in the small stuff too. Prayer should be like breath...important to our lives
We can talk to God like he's a machine...menu choices!
God is person who wants to know us
Matthew 6:5-9 (MSG)
This is your Father who you are dealing with
You get a person not a number!
It's not about tips and techniques when praying to God
It's not mystical! It's not vain repetition...not a chant/mantra
It's much simpler than that...it's revelatory....it's life changing, world changing
It's relational, we don't have to follow routine and procedures when we approach God in prayer.
It's breath, relational and simpler than you think...prayer
Matthew 6:9-15
Its simple, powerful and effective
Not about religion and tradition
Our Father...relationship not religion, God is our father...we can't get away from that truth. He wants the best for us!
He loves us and loves being our father. A person that we can know today.
In Heaven...God reigns in this environment called heaven. We're believing that heaven touches earth when we pray and when we praise. When the church gathers...heaven is in this place! Your will being done on earth as it is in heaven. Let your kingdom come and let your will be done!
What is heaven like...look at Jesus. He brings life and hope and healing. "may his name be honoured" Jesus
Give us today our daily bread...what's important to you is important to God. He is interested in every part of your life.
Be thankful for every little thing...not just the big stuff!
It's not either or...it's both and! Believe God for daily bread.
Deliver us from the evil one...there are things in life that can be harmful, but God is our protector our strong tower. He is making our obstacles stepping stones. He grows us when trouble comes our way. Make our enemies our footstools...as we step up to another level!
Believe that...This is just another stepping stone!
Hebrews 11:6
Monday, October 11, 2010
Rhythm
Great day at CLC yesterday. Two excellent messages morning and evening on the subject of Rhythm...
Rhythm//listen//word
God is a God of rhythm...a God of order, Days seasons weeks rests...a rhythm of life
Matthew 13:9...are you listening? Are you really listening?
There is a rhythm to listening to God...to his word
2 Timothy 1:13
There is a pattern to what you're listening to...Keep the pattern of sound words flooding your life. We need the rhythm of grace in our lives.
There is a noise around us...”you've just got to have this or do this”.
Don't let that effect the rhythm of sound words in your life. Don't let those things effect your pace...your steps
Psalm 119:105…Are you listening?
Get some promises in your life that God has given you...The wrong noises can effect your rhythm.
We need the samba of salvation…Not the military marching sound of legalism
Rhythm of Gods word brings us confidence
Psalm 1:1-3
Change the record! Get God's voice in your life!
They that do are planted fruitful and prosperous...the end game!
Are you listening? Are you really listening? God is good and he does good! He loves you and is for you! Let that word take the pace of your life...!
God's word...
1) Hear it
2) Write it down, record it
3) Meditate on it
4) Pray about it
5) Trust it...trust God
6) Live it
Rhythm//rest//grace
We need the Rhythm of Rest (Grace) in our lives
Hebrews 4
When we ‘rest’ we are living with trust and an attitude of faith for God. Rest in our lives is important for our spiritual, physical and emotional being.
Isaiah 30:15 – This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it!
Rest in the gospel of Jesus Christ…our rest is a rest based upon the completion of Christ’s work of redemption. We rest from striving to please God in our own strength, and rely upon the work which He has done (at the Cross) and which He continues to do for us.
Ephesians 2:4-6
We learn to move forward in our faith when we first learn to REST. We can approach the throne of Grace Today!
GRACE…is where it all begins.
Key to finding REST is not non-activity but being able to approach the Throne of Grace with confidence and without fear…to receive all that we need for life!
At the Throne of Grace we find THREE things…
1) It’s where we find our Salvation
Our salvation is established in GRACE. It’s not what I’ve done and therefore I deserve it. It’s what Jesus has done and therefore I receive salvation by faith - It’s a free gift!
“Christianity begins not with a big DO but with a big DONE” (Watchman Nee)
(MSG) Romans 4:4-5 - If you're a hard worker and do a good job, you deserve your pay; we don't call your wages a gift. But if you see that the job is too big for you, that it's something only God can do, and you trust him to do it—you could never do it for yourself no matter how hard and long you worked—well, that trusting-him-to-do-it is what gets you set right with God, by God. Sheer gift!
Ephesians 2:8-9
Saved by grace and grace alone! Our identity as Christians is based on GRACE.
So often we accept that we are saved by GRACE alone…but what about life after that? We can find ourselves out of step…out of kilter…unbalanced. As we become restless, striving, trying to please God with our works!
2) It’s where we find our purpose and calling
Paul…
1 Corinthians 15:10 ‘But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them— yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me’
Paul’s acknowledgment of his short-comings and his reliance on the grace of God…resting in God’s ability…that energised him!
We need a true revelation of God’s Grace. People are mobilised when they have this understanding of His grace. Where it’s not about my performance, or about what I can do or what other people think of me. ‘It’s because I am a son of God!
Our Calling is Established in Grace
3) It’s where we find strength
Philippians 4:11-13 (Amp)
His suffiency is what matters.
We want to do our very best from a position of GRACE…resting in the truth that with Christ in me…I can do all things! Your Grace is sufficient…it’s all we need!
Rhythm//listen//word
God is a God of rhythm...a God of order, Days seasons weeks rests...a rhythm of life
Matthew 13:9...are you listening? Are you really listening?
There is a rhythm to listening to God...to his word
2 Timothy 1:13
There is a pattern to what you're listening to...Keep the pattern of sound words flooding your life. We need the rhythm of grace in our lives.
There is a noise around us...”you've just got to have this or do this”.
Don't let that effect the rhythm of sound words in your life. Don't let those things effect your pace...your steps
Psalm 119:105…Are you listening?
Get some promises in your life that God has given you...The wrong noises can effect your rhythm.
We need the samba of salvation…Not the military marching sound of legalism
Rhythm of Gods word brings us confidence
Psalm 1:1-3
Change the record! Get God's voice in your life!
They that do are planted fruitful and prosperous...the end game!
Are you listening? Are you really listening? God is good and he does good! He loves you and is for you! Let that word take the pace of your life...!
God's word...
1) Hear it
2) Write it down, record it
3) Meditate on it
4) Pray about it
5) Trust it...trust God
6) Live it
Rhythm//rest//grace
We need the Rhythm of Rest (Grace) in our lives
Hebrews 4
When we ‘rest’ we are living with trust and an attitude of faith for God. Rest in our lives is important for our spiritual, physical and emotional being.
Isaiah 30:15 – This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it!
Rest in the gospel of Jesus Christ…our rest is a rest based upon the completion of Christ’s work of redemption. We rest from striving to please God in our own strength, and rely upon the work which He has done (at the Cross) and which He continues to do for us.
Ephesians 2:4-6
We learn to move forward in our faith when we first learn to REST. We can approach the throne of Grace Today!
GRACE…is where it all begins.
Key to finding REST is not non-activity but being able to approach the Throne of Grace with confidence and without fear…to receive all that we need for life!
At the Throne of Grace we find THREE things…
1) It’s where we find our Salvation
Our salvation is established in GRACE. It’s not what I’ve done and therefore I deserve it. It’s what Jesus has done and therefore I receive salvation by faith - It’s a free gift!
“Christianity begins not with a big DO but with a big DONE” (Watchman Nee)
(MSG) Romans 4:4-5 - If you're a hard worker and do a good job, you deserve your pay; we don't call your wages a gift. But if you see that the job is too big for you, that it's something only God can do, and you trust him to do it—you could never do it for yourself no matter how hard and long you worked—well, that trusting-him-to-do-it is what gets you set right with God, by God. Sheer gift!
Ephesians 2:8-9
Saved by grace and grace alone! Our identity as Christians is based on GRACE.
So often we accept that we are saved by GRACE alone…but what about life after that? We can find ourselves out of step…out of kilter…unbalanced. As we become restless, striving, trying to please God with our works!
2) It’s where we find our purpose and calling
Paul…
1 Corinthians 15:10 ‘But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them— yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me’
Paul’s acknowledgment of his short-comings and his reliance on the grace of God…resting in God’s ability…that energised him!
We need a true revelation of God’s Grace. People are mobilised when they have this understanding of His grace. Where it’s not about my performance, or about what I can do or what other people think of me. ‘It’s because I am a son of God!
Our Calling is Established in Grace
3) It’s where we find strength
Philippians 4:11-13 (Amp)
His suffiency is what matters.
We want to do our very best from a position of GRACE…resting in the truth that with Christ in me…I can do all things! Your Grace is sufficient…it’s all we need!
Monday, October 04, 2010
Building a House for God
A great day in God’s House yesterday! It was our Rise & Build Weekend and Paul Benger shared an excellent message on “Building a House for God”
Our vision...To build a world class church…To reach more people...to establish our own premises. Preparing ourselves for the future. We go from strength to strength even when we face the odd setback.
1 Chronicles 22
David's desire was to build a house worthy of an awesome God. God said no...but your son Solomon will build it. This did not stop David having a heart for God's house and preparing for the future.
Jesus is building his church...that's our passion too. Today is all about building Gods house!
Ephesians 1:23 (the Message)
God has only got one plan...plan A. To build his church and to use the church to reach people. There is no plan B!
We are carrying God's presence as go into our world. It would be a worst place if you weren't there. God speaks through you and me.
95% of people in our borough do not know Christ. That is why Jesus is building his church in our area. We would love to change the number from 95 to ?
There is a solution ... The church! He needs a devoted people who's heart is to rise and build and reach out!
3 things from 1 Chronicles 22...
David had a heart for the house (22:6-10; 19)
David encourages the people...to devote your heart and soul to build the house. God can give us a heart for his house...a supernatural heart and love for his house.
Jesus loves the church and he wants you to love it too. To make his name famous in our world!
Building the house of God is multi-generational (22:5)
Young and inexperience is needed as well the opposite! We run side by side, we don't pass on and then do nothing. We're working together to build a magnificent house
By wisdom a house is built
1 Chronicles 22:17-19
In Rise & Build we're not just bringing our finances....we're bringing our wisdom and skill
Building a house for God requires many gifts (22:14-16)
David's gift was giving...incredibly generous! But there were also workmen, craftsmen, masons, carpenters needed.
Sacrificial giving of the many not just the few. We bring our gifts into the house of God.
You are builder of the house of God!
Our vision...To build a world class church…To reach more people...to establish our own premises. Preparing ourselves for the future. We go from strength to strength even when we face the odd setback.
1 Chronicles 22
David's desire was to build a house worthy of an awesome God. God said no...but your son Solomon will build it. This did not stop David having a heart for God's house and preparing for the future.
Jesus is building his church...that's our passion too. Today is all about building Gods house!
Ephesians 1:23 (the Message)
God has only got one plan...plan A. To build his church and to use the church to reach people. There is no plan B!
We are carrying God's presence as go into our world. It would be a worst place if you weren't there. God speaks through you and me.
95% of people in our borough do not know Christ. That is why Jesus is building his church in our area. We would love to change the number from 95 to ?
There is a solution ... The church! He needs a devoted people who's heart is to rise and build and reach out!
3 things from 1 Chronicles 22...
David had a heart for the house (22:6-10; 19)
David encourages the people...to devote your heart and soul to build the house. God can give us a heart for his house...a supernatural heart and love for his house.
Jesus loves the church and he wants you to love it too. To make his name famous in our world!
Building the house of God is multi-generational (22:5)
Young and inexperience is needed as well the opposite! We run side by side, we don't pass on and then do nothing. We're working together to build a magnificent house
By wisdom a house is built
1 Chronicles 22:17-19
In Rise & Build we're not just bringing our finances....we're bringing our wisdom and skill
Building a house for God requires many gifts (22:14-16)
David's gift was giving...incredibly generous! But there were also workmen, craftsmen, masons, carpenters needed.
Sacrificial giving of the many not just the few. We bring our gifts into the house of God.
You are builder of the house of God!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Devoted 3
Great morning at CLC, Mark Wilkins shared a excellent message from our Devoted series
Acts 2:42 - they were devoted to the Holy Spirit
The early church didn't just squeeze church into their busy lives...the church was their life!
They were devoted to getting the message of the Gospel out to people
"Being Devoted to the Holy Spirit"
Acts 1:45...in just a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit
What/who/eh...is the Holy Spirit?
We can get embarrassed by the work of the Holy Spirit when we bring new people to church
1. The Holy Spirit is a Person
Not some mystical force like from Star Wars! But He is our advocate, counsellor and friend
He talks us up to the Father
2. The Holy Spirit is God
Baptise them in the Father Son and Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 13:14
Acts 1:7...the Holy Spirit enabled them to continue the mission and carry it out...empowered them to bring it to pass. He gives CLC the ability to go out and accomplish all of this
The right kind of equipping! Able to do the mission.
Acts 2:3-5
What kind of impact did the Holy Spirit have on them...?
Acts 2:37-41
An ordinary guy like Peter was enable by the HS to stand up and preach the good news...and 3000 were added to the church that day! The Holy Spirit pierces the heart and draws us to God
What kind of gifts and abilities are given to us to help build the church...?
Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4
Some of these gifts don't seem as exciting as others and yet they are vital to the building of God's house
Romans 12:6-8
1 Peter 4:10-11
We are given gifts to put them into action and not to sit on them...develop your gift
What does developing our gifts look like...we see that in Acts 2;42
If we want a church that looks like that we need to fully engage with the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:42 - they were devoted to the Holy Spirit
The early church didn't just squeeze church into their busy lives...the church was their life!
They were devoted to getting the message of the Gospel out to people
"Being Devoted to the Holy Spirit"
Acts 1:45...in just a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit
What/who/eh...is the Holy Spirit?
We can get embarrassed by the work of the Holy Spirit when we bring new people to church
1. The Holy Spirit is a Person
Not some mystical force like from Star Wars! But He is our advocate, counsellor and friend
He talks us up to the Father
2. The Holy Spirit is God
Baptise them in the Father Son and Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 13:14
Acts 1:7...the Holy Spirit enabled them to continue the mission and carry it out...empowered them to bring it to pass. He gives CLC the ability to go out and accomplish all of this
The right kind of equipping! Able to do the mission.
Acts 2:3-5
What kind of impact did the Holy Spirit have on them...?
Acts 2:37-41
An ordinary guy like Peter was enable by the HS to stand up and preach the good news...and 3000 were added to the church that day! The Holy Spirit pierces the heart and draws us to God
What kind of gifts and abilities are given to us to help build the church...?
Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4
Some of these gifts don't seem as exciting as others and yet they are vital to the building of God's house
Romans 12:6-8
1 Peter 4:10-11
We are given gifts to put them into action and not to sit on them...develop your gift
What does developing our gifts look like...we see that in Acts 2;42
If we want a church that looks like that we need to fully engage with the Holy Spirit
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Devoted 2
Fab morning at CLC. Paul Benger spoke the second message in our Devoted series. Brilliant!
The church exploded on the scene back there in Acts
It's happening today across the world and it's about to happen across Europe
We need to live devoted lives as we seek God and all his ways
Acts 2:42
Psalm 110:3 - your people will be willing in the day of your power
We need to be willing!
You will receive power and be my witnesses. As the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them they became devoted, grew and spread throughout the world
Devotion=profound dedication, attachment to a cause, sold out
Complacency is our enemy for the cause
What would the world look like if the church was taken away? The earth would be bankrupt.
(recap from last week)
Devoted to Mission
Devoted to the gatherings of God's people
Devoted to Relevance
We need to communicate to people in a relevant way
Two more things they were devoted to...
1. Conversions, people turning to Christ
The early church gathered and the early church worshipped, they spoke and sang the wonders of God
It's always been at the heart of church to gather and to worship
Then they preached and proclaimed the good ness of Jesus
Acts 2:33-38
There is something about the preaching of the word of God it 'cuts to the heart' saves souls!
It causes change in our lives, preaching for repentance...to chains our minds, our thinking...about God, about Jesus, about you and me
"Most basic foundation for the Christian life is repentance, which is taking God's side against yourself" Phil Pringle
Acts 9:26
Can a terrorist get saved? Paul did!
We are committed to peoples lives bring changed turned around
Acts 3:19-20
Acts 4:4
This church were expecting people becoming Christians
Could we be devoted to seeing people saved? As a church committed to lifting the lives of others
We believe in the power of God to change lives
2. Devoted to Truth
Acts 2:42...doctrine
It's truth that changes us. What Jesus has done and he is doing today.
Ephesians 3:10 (the Message)
Encourage, teach and do it with great patience!
They were devoted to the Apostles teaching...and they grew!
As we are taught by God through teaching the word begins to manifest in our lives
2 Timothy 1:13
Sound teaching leads us to faith and hope and love!
We need to appreciate being together as a body hearing from God together and not on our own.
The church exploded on the scene back there in Acts
It's happening today across the world and it's about to happen across Europe
We need to live devoted lives as we seek God and all his ways
Acts 2:42
Psalm 110:3 - your people will be willing in the day of your power
We need to be willing!
You will receive power and be my witnesses. As the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them they became devoted, grew and spread throughout the world
Devotion=profound dedication, attachment to a cause, sold out
Complacency is our enemy for the cause
What would the world look like if the church was taken away? The earth would be bankrupt.
(recap from last week)
Devoted to Mission
Devoted to the gatherings of God's people
Devoted to Relevance
We need to communicate to people in a relevant way
Two more things they were devoted to...
1. Conversions, people turning to Christ
The early church gathered and the early church worshipped, they spoke and sang the wonders of God
It's always been at the heart of church to gather and to worship
Then they preached and proclaimed the good ness of Jesus
Acts 2:33-38
There is something about the preaching of the word of God it 'cuts to the heart' saves souls!
It causes change in our lives, preaching for repentance...to chains our minds, our thinking...about God, about Jesus, about you and me
"Most basic foundation for the Christian life is repentance, which is taking God's side against yourself" Phil Pringle
Acts 9:26
Can a terrorist get saved? Paul did!
We are committed to peoples lives bring changed turned around
Acts 3:19-20
Acts 4:4
This church were expecting people becoming Christians
Could we be devoted to seeing people saved? As a church committed to lifting the lives of others
We believe in the power of God to change lives
2. Devoted to Truth
Acts 2:42...doctrine
It's truth that changes us. What Jesus has done and he is doing today.
Ephesians 3:10 (the Message)
Encourage, teach and do it with great patience!
They were devoted to the Apostles teaching...and they grew!
As we are taught by God through teaching the word begins to manifest in our lives
2 Timothy 1:13
Sound teaching leads us to faith and hope and love!
We need to appreciate being together as a body hearing from God together and not on our own.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Devoted 1
A fantastic morning at CLC. Paul Benger brought an excellent message as he started our new series…Devotion.
Acts 2:42
Why do we look back to the early church?
Because when Luke wrote Acts it was his second book to the book of Luke. Like a play, Gods story...Luke is Act 1...Acts is Act 2...everything is still there in both in Luke and Acts
We are in Act 3...the church today
We see a church devoted as we look back
Acts 2:42
They gave themselves to things of God devoted passionate for him!
The Holy Spirit is at work today in the church...great things are going to happen
Not a church of convenience but a church devoted
Devoted = Profound dedication consecrated...sold out to the cause of Christ
A devoted church is alive...it's got energy! It doesn't depend on your age! It's reaching people. A Devoted church is a threat to the enemy...not phased by setbacks. A devoted church is world-changing!
What were they devoted to...? (so that God create in us the same kind of passion and devotion in us)
1. They were devoted to the mission of Jesus
Acts 1:6-8
We're here for the mission of Christ to rescue people to reach the lost. A man/woman with a mission. You have a target on your head...but have all the weapons of God at our disposal!
We are here to see thousands saved in our area!
You will receive power and you will be witnesses.
Our vision has to be local and global...!
We witnesses of the fact that Jesus is alive.
Jesus is real...that's our message.
2. They were devoted to gathering together
Acts 2:1...all together in one accord, in one place
We come together because we believe we have been put together by God. Where two or three are gathered...there I am! God builds us together...each one matters.
The bible doesn't speak about doing things solo.
Acts 2:44&46
They met more than we do! They met at the temple because they were now the temple...the people of God!
When we win we win together...when we mourn we mourn together.
3. They were devoted to relevance
Acts 2:8, 11
Common language connects people...separate language disconnects people. Be relevant! Common language connect us to the world we are reaching out to.
Our communication as the church should be relevant...we are still proclaiming the same message but saying it in a way that can be understood.
Acts 2:42
Why do we look back to the early church?
Because when Luke wrote Acts it was his second book to the book of Luke. Like a play, Gods story...Luke is Act 1...Acts is Act 2...everything is still there in both in Luke and Acts
We are in Act 3...the church today
We see a church devoted as we look back
Acts 2:42
They gave themselves to things of God devoted passionate for him!
The Holy Spirit is at work today in the church...great things are going to happen
Not a church of convenience but a church devoted
Devoted = Profound dedication consecrated...sold out to the cause of Christ
A devoted church is alive...it's got energy! It doesn't depend on your age! It's reaching people. A Devoted church is a threat to the enemy...not phased by setbacks. A devoted church is world-changing!
What were they devoted to...? (so that God create in us the same kind of passion and devotion in us)
1. They were devoted to the mission of Jesus
Acts 1:6-8
We're here for the mission of Christ to rescue people to reach the lost. A man/woman with a mission. You have a target on your head...but have all the weapons of God at our disposal!
We are here to see thousands saved in our area!
You will receive power and you will be witnesses.
Our vision has to be local and global...!
We witnesses of the fact that Jesus is alive.
Jesus is real...that's our message.
2. They were devoted to gathering together
Acts 2:1...all together in one accord, in one place
We come together because we believe we have been put together by God. Where two or three are gathered...there I am! God builds us together...each one matters.
The bible doesn't speak about doing things solo.
Acts 2:44&46
They met more than we do! They met at the temple because they were now the temple...the people of God!
When we win we win together...when we mourn we mourn together.
3. They were devoted to relevance
Acts 2:8, 11
Common language connects people...separate language disconnects people. Be relevant! Common language connect us to the world we are reaching out to.
Our communication as the church should be relevant...we are still proclaiming the same message but saying it in a way that can be understood.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Grace Grows the Church
Great morning service at CLC today. Paul Benger brought an excellent message entitled 'Grace Grows the Church'.
Acts 4:31-end
Romans 15:7
Great grace was upon them all...God's favour
Grace is the favour of God we need in certain circumstances challenges...the grace of God is upon you
God loves you he is for you! In every circumstance Gods grace is upon you
Also we should accept others as Christ accepted you
It's not our greatness but Gods grace that grows the church
It's God that gives us all that we need, the power, to build and grow Gods church
When we get the revelation of his grace we see it everywhere! In your life and in other peoples life.
14 of 27 NT books start with grace
....ends with grace
Luke records in Acts the explosion of the church
The Gospel of Gods grace spreads
We're looking back today saying that God can do it again, an explosion of the Gospel
Imagine a church with no grace! We would not be joyful.
3 things about Grace
1. Jesus sends us to spread the good news of His grace
Acts 4:31
Luke 26:46-49
This was their message and it is ours today!
God loves you he is alive!
They spoke the word Boldly...and it spread throughout the known world
We are looking back at Act 2 and seeing how we can play our role today
We have been sent to boldly proclaim the message of his love and forgiveness...the Gospel of Grace
Give them the grace...boldly, not weirdly
2. Gods grace created a community of grace
Even when we get to people even with all that's wrong with them we still love and accept them
Acts 4:32-37
Don't just offer grace as a one off, grace should never be replaced by gossip
3. Grace Gives
It gives forgiveness, it gives love
They make space for people in their lives, new connect groups, new places
Grace grows the church
Acts 4:31-end
Romans 15:7
Great grace was upon them all...God's favour
Grace is the favour of God we need in certain circumstances challenges...the grace of God is upon you
God loves you he is for you! In every circumstance Gods grace is upon you
Also we should accept others as Christ accepted you
It's not our greatness but Gods grace that grows the church
It's God that gives us all that we need, the power, to build and grow Gods church
When we get the revelation of his grace we see it everywhere! In your life and in other peoples life.
14 of 27 NT books start with grace
....ends with grace
Luke records in Acts the explosion of the church
The Gospel of Gods grace spreads
We're looking back today saying that God can do it again, an explosion of the Gospel
Imagine a church with no grace! We would not be joyful.
3 things about Grace
1. Jesus sends us to spread the good news of His grace
Acts 4:31
Luke 26:46-49
This was their message and it is ours today!
God loves you he is alive!
They spoke the word Boldly...and it spread throughout the known world
We are looking back at Act 2 and seeing how we can play our role today
We have been sent to boldly proclaim the message of his love and forgiveness...the Gospel of Grace
Give them the grace...boldly, not weirdly
2. Gods grace created a community of grace
Even when we get to people even with all that's wrong with them we still love and accept them
Acts 4:32-37
Don't just offer grace as a one off, grace should never be replaced by gossip
3. Grace Gives
It gives forgiveness, it gives love
They make space for people in their lives, new connect groups, new places
Grace grows the church
Sunday, August 08, 2010
When Ordinary People are Filled with Joy
Great day in God’s House! Spoke the last part of our series “When Ordinary People…”. This morning it was all about “When Ordinary People are filled with Joy”.
1 Corinthians 1:26-28 - Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are
The apostles were ordinary guys doing extraordinary things in God…“think of what you were before you were called”
When ordinary people are filled with joy…extraordinary things happen!
Psalm 126 - (1) When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. (2) Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” (3) The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad. (4) Bring back our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the South. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. (6) He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
These were people facing ordinary times but they are reminding themselves of extraordinary things.
Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH
This is in the same spirit that Paul is talking about in the New Testament when he says “when I am weak then I am STRONG”!
When the Bible says that the Joy of the Lord is your Strength…when we understand the power of joy, the power of laughter, of celebration then we can know what it is to bring strength to our body soul and spirit.
Proverbs 17:22 – A merry heart does good, like medicine…But a broken spirit saps a person’s strength
That’s why the Devil wants to rob us of our joy…have us think that joy is not important. BUT the Joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH!
Proverbs 12:25 - Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes him GLAD!
It’s a choice to be GLAD sometimes…it’s a choice to be Joyful! It’s a choice not to let the devil do the laughing…but you’re going to fill your own mouth with laughter…your own tongue with singing!
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
“Always” means there are going to be days when we don’t feel like it…there is a time to mourn, a time to cry…BUT there is also a time to laugh! BECAUSE a Merry Heart is like MEDICINE!
Jesus rejoiced - He had a joy above his companions
Hebrew 1:9 – You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy
Hebrews 12:2 - Who for the JOY set before him endured the cross
Like Jesus - Let’s make the choice to be joyful, to choose to be glad!
Four things we’ve got to take charge of if we’re going to live joyfully. If when things are pretty ordinary…we want to be anointed with the oil joy of the Lord and know the Extraordinary when the Joy of the Lord is our STRENGTH!
1) Take charge of your MIND (thinking)
Take charge…don’t let your mind rule you…take charge of your frame of mind and line it up with the word of God and not be conformed to this world, the ordinary stuff…be transformed by the renewing of your mind
When our thinking gets effected…Enemy wants to rob us of our DREAMS
Verse 1 - When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream
The first thing that gets robbed often is the ability to dream…the creativity that comes from an awesome God.
2) Take charge of your mouth
Verse 2 – Then our mouths were filled with laughter
Is your mouth filled with laughter or defeat? The Bible says about the people of faith…the word of God is in their hearts and in our mouths! We need to have the word of God in our mouth as well as our hearts!
Proverbs 10:11 - The mouth of the righteous is a well of life!
3) Take charge of your COUNTENANCE
Verse 3 - The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.
They weren’t in a GLAD season. We are glad...that’s a choice, that’s a decision they have made.
Our disposition, our temperament…we’ve got to take charge of it! Are we being led by our smile! It’s not FAKE its FAITH!
Psalm 34:5 - Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy! (The Message) Look at Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him
4) Take charge of your ACTIONS
Verse 6 - He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Take charge of your actions - stay generous, bearing seed for sowing…they shall ‘doubtless’ come again with rejoicing! When we are sowing in tears one of the things that can shrivel up is our generosity. We’re not generous with our words anymore, with our action, with our finance.
One of the greatest things we can do in the face of discouragement is to extend generosity
1 Corinthians 1:26-28 - Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are
The apostles were ordinary guys doing extraordinary things in God…“think of what you were before you were called”
When ordinary people are filled with joy…extraordinary things happen!
Psalm 126 - (1) When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. (2) Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” (3) The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad. (4) Bring back our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the South. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. (6) He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
These were people facing ordinary times but they are reminding themselves of extraordinary things.
Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH
This is in the same spirit that Paul is talking about in the New Testament when he says “when I am weak then I am STRONG”!
When the Bible says that the Joy of the Lord is your Strength…when we understand the power of joy, the power of laughter, of celebration then we can know what it is to bring strength to our body soul and spirit.
Proverbs 17:22 – A merry heart does good, like medicine…But a broken spirit saps a person’s strength
That’s why the Devil wants to rob us of our joy…have us think that joy is not important. BUT the Joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH!
Proverbs 12:25 - Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes him GLAD!
It’s a choice to be GLAD sometimes…it’s a choice to be Joyful! It’s a choice not to let the devil do the laughing…but you’re going to fill your own mouth with laughter…your own tongue with singing!
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
“Always” means there are going to be days when we don’t feel like it…there is a time to mourn, a time to cry…BUT there is also a time to laugh! BECAUSE a Merry Heart is like MEDICINE!
Jesus rejoiced - He had a joy above his companions
Hebrew 1:9 – You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy
Hebrews 12:2 - Who for the JOY set before him endured the cross
Like Jesus - Let’s make the choice to be joyful, to choose to be glad!
Four things we’ve got to take charge of if we’re going to live joyfully. If when things are pretty ordinary…we want to be anointed with the oil joy of the Lord and know the Extraordinary when the Joy of the Lord is our STRENGTH!
1) Take charge of your MIND (thinking)
Take charge…don’t let your mind rule you…take charge of your frame of mind and line it up with the word of God and not be conformed to this world, the ordinary stuff…be transformed by the renewing of your mind
When our thinking gets effected…Enemy wants to rob us of our DREAMS
Verse 1 - When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream
The first thing that gets robbed often is the ability to dream…the creativity that comes from an awesome God.
2) Take charge of your mouth
Verse 2 – Then our mouths were filled with laughter
Is your mouth filled with laughter or defeat? The Bible says about the people of faith…the word of God is in their hearts and in our mouths! We need to have the word of God in our mouth as well as our hearts!
Proverbs 10:11 - The mouth of the righteous is a well of life!
3) Take charge of your COUNTENANCE
Verse 3 - The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.
They weren’t in a GLAD season. We are glad...that’s a choice, that’s a decision they have made.
Our disposition, our temperament…we’ve got to take charge of it! Are we being led by our smile! It’s not FAKE its FAITH!
Psalm 34:5 - Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy! (The Message) Look at Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him
4) Take charge of your ACTIONS
Verse 6 - He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Take charge of your actions - stay generous, bearing seed for sowing…they shall ‘doubtless’ come again with rejoicing! When we are sowing in tears one of the things that can shrivel up is our generosity. We’re not generous with our words anymore, with our action, with our finance.
One of the greatest things we can do in the face of discouragement is to extend generosity
Sunday, July 25, 2010
When Ordinary People Pray
What a great morning at CLC! Paul Benger shared an excellent message about 'when ordinary people pray'.
There is nothing boring about prayer...it's not a task, chore
Ordinary people connecting with an extraordinary God
James 5:13-18
When ordinary people pray extraordinary things happen
Matthew 16:19
Don't ever think prayer is ineffective, prayer changes things...things happen in Heaven and on the earth. We've seen incredible answers to prayer
Pray is multi dimentional...
PRAISE
Psalm 100:4
Praise is not boring! It's an opportunity to bring our thanks to an amazing God for who he is and for all he has done
STILLNESS
Pslam 46:10
There is a time to be still, not to worry...but know that He is God
CONFIDENCE
1 John 5:14-15
Ask...be confident, ask and keep on asking
MEDITATION
Psalm 119:14
Think about it and think about it again...meditate!
Chew it over. Turn over his thoughts in your life
DESPERATION
Psalm 34:17
Not just emotion but be desperate for the things of God
Content BUT wanting more!
Effective prayer is Transparent
James 5:16
Be real! Be able to say to your friends I got this right I got this wrong
When ordinary people pray extraordinary things happen
Be authentic...things happen!
Psalm 139:23
Don't get so religious about pray...more imperfect people in church...finding healing and wholeness
Psalm 14:4
When ordinary people pray with humility and transparency extraordinary things happen
Effective prayer is Unselfish
James 5:16
Pray for others so that you might be healed!
Effective prayer knows it's authority
James 5:16
What makes prayer effective?
Is it eloquence? No
The length of the prayer? No
Is it telling God and everybody else everything...all the detail? No
The most effective prayer...just ask the Father in the name of Jesus
It's ok to pray about the things we don't have....resources, confidence etc As long as we say BUT with what I do have I give to you! Here I am...
Effective prayer is Fervent
James 5:16
What is fervency? It's passion yes, but it is indignation. This is not right I want to see it changed. When were we last indignant? God doesn't think it's right too...so we ask and keep asking until it changes
Effective prayer is Righteous
James 5:16
Our righteouness comes from God...it's not about how good we are. Knowing that we are forgiven.
Sin...I'm a sinner. We need help, we need God in our lives. Find forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. We are not left unrighteous...made right in him.
Extraordinary things happen when ordinary people pray effective prayers.
There is nothing boring about prayer...it's not a task, chore
Ordinary people connecting with an extraordinary God
James 5:13-18
When ordinary people pray extraordinary things happen
Matthew 16:19
Don't ever think prayer is ineffective, prayer changes things...things happen in Heaven and on the earth. We've seen incredible answers to prayer
Pray is multi dimentional...
PRAISE
Psalm 100:4
Praise is not boring! It's an opportunity to bring our thanks to an amazing God for who he is and for all he has done
STILLNESS
Pslam 46:10
There is a time to be still, not to worry...but know that He is God
CONFIDENCE
1 John 5:14-15
Ask...be confident, ask and keep on asking
MEDITATION
Psalm 119:14
Think about it and think about it again...meditate!
Chew it over. Turn over his thoughts in your life
DESPERATION
Psalm 34:17
Not just emotion but be desperate for the things of God
Content BUT wanting more!
Effective prayer is Transparent
James 5:16
Be real! Be able to say to your friends I got this right I got this wrong
When ordinary people pray extraordinary things happen
Be authentic...things happen!
Psalm 139:23
Don't get so religious about pray...more imperfect people in church...finding healing and wholeness
Psalm 14:4
When ordinary people pray with humility and transparency extraordinary things happen
Effective prayer is Unselfish
James 5:16
Pray for others so that you might be healed!
Effective prayer knows it's authority
James 5:16
What makes prayer effective?
Is it eloquence? No
The length of the prayer? No
Is it telling God and everybody else everything...all the detail? No
The most effective prayer...just ask the Father in the name of Jesus
It's ok to pray about the things we don't have....resources, confidence etc As long as we say BUT with what I do have I give to you! Here I am...
Effective prayer is Fervent
James 5:16
What is fervency? It's passion yes, but it is indignation. This is not right I want to see it changed. When were we last indignant? God doesn't think it's right too...so we ask and keep asking until it changes
Effective prayer is Righteous
James 5:16
Our righteouness comes from God...it's not about how good we are. Knowing that we are forgiven.
Sin...I'm a sinner. We need help, we need God in our lives. Find forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. We are not left unrighteous...made right in him.
Extraordinary things happen when ordinary people pray effective prayers.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
When Ordinary People Connect
Another great morning in church. Mark Wilkins spoke on "When Ordinary People...Connect", the third message in this series.
True connections go beyond simple communication. When ordinary people connect extraordinary things happen.
Thd Ordinary life is important to God, the mundane, the everday stuff...that is where we practice our faith! Don't get caught up in the big events! It's in the space of the everday where God wants to walk with us. He's interested in YOU!
Ruth 1:1-22 - Great connection - vs 14
Ruth 2:1-23
Everday, ordinary, mundane life....story of Ruth. Why was her story important? God connections. Ruth gave birth to Obed...the father of Jesse, the father of David. All from Ruth's life of remaining connected! Used by God to bring Jesus into the world! Marriage is an ordinary connection where incredible extraordinary things can happen.
Acts 2:13-17 Ordinary men, nobodies! Yet the rulers and authorities saw the extraordinary impact they were having on the people
Jesus saw something special in the lives of these ordinary guys
Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:1-3) - God calls the two of them, he calls people together to partner for establishing his church. They went together.
The church today is like that God calling us together 0rdinay people connecting seeing the extraordinary happen
Disconnection is what the devil wants. Loneliness, divorce, relationship breakdown
Luke 8:29- We're not called to live disconnected lives
We're called to be connected to people...do life together.
How do we get better at connecting? Principles of great connections...
1. Connecting is all about others - putting others first
Supporting other people. Peter and John gave up their fish, careers, to follow Jesus
2. Connecting is about finding common ground
What are we both interested in, our purpose, doing life together. Find common ground with the people
3. Connecting requires effort/energy
Go to connect groups, put the time in, invest. Ruth put the energy and effort into her connections. Peter and John gave their all, as did Paul and Barnabas in building the church!
God uses these ordinary connections and does the extraordinary the miraculous! God uses the ordinary!
True connections go beyond simple communication. When ordinary people connect extraordinary things happen.
Thd Ordinary life is important to God, the mundane, the everday stuff...that is where we practice our faith! Don't get caught up in the big events! It's in the space of the everday where God wants to walk with us. He's interested in YOU!
Ruth 1:1-22 - Great connection - vs 14
Ruth 2:1-23
Everday, ordinary, mundane life....story of Ruth. Why was her story important? God connections. Ruth gave birth to Obed...the father of Jesse, the father of David. All from Ruth's life of remaining connected! Used by God to bring Jesus into the world! Marriage is an ordinary connection where incredible extraordinary things can happen.
Acts 2:13-17 Ordinary men, nobodies! Yet the rulers and authorities saw the extraordinary impact they were having on the people
Jesus saw something special in the lives of these ordinary guys
Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:1-3) - God calls the two of them, he calls people together to partner for establishing his church. They went together.
The church today is like that God calling us together 0rdinay people connecting seeing the extraordinary happen
Disconnection is what the devil wants. Loneliness, divorce, relationship breakdown
Luke 8:29- We're not called to live disconnected lives
We're called to be connected to people...do life together.
How do we get better at connecting? Principles of great connections...
1. Connecting is all about others - putting others first
Supporting other people. Peter and John gave up their fish, careers, to follow Jesus
2. Connecting is about finding common ground
What are we both interested in, our purpose, doing life together. Find common ground with the people
3. Connecting requires effort/energy
Go to connect groups, put the time in, invest. Ruth put the energy and effort into her connections. Peter and John gave their all, as did Paul and Barnabas in building the church!
God uses these ordinary connections and does the extraordinary the miraculous! God uses the ordinary!
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