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Archive for September, 2012

WILL YOU CHANGE THE WORLD?

Posted in Church, Preaching messages, Soul Winning, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on September 30, 2012| Leave a Comment »

WILL I BE THE ONE TO CHANGE THE WORLD?

Sept 30, 2012 6pm Service

IF YOU SAVE ONE LIFE, YOU HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD ENTIRELY

Leo Tolstoy:

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but nobody thinks of changing themselves.”

Inside each person lies the desire to be significant.

To make any contribution that changes the world for the better, no matter how small that change maybe.

Little boys dream of becoming superheroes, little girls dream of their knight rescuing them and taking them away ….. to change the world of course!

IF YOU SAVE ONE LIFE, YOU HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD ENTIRELY

The older we get, the more life seems to transition from wondering how we can make a difference; to surviving and maintaining. The dreams for some people get covered by the humdrum and monotony of life.

Meeting Jesus changes everything.

Becoming a Christian means you have entered into the eternal plan of God. There are no exceptions, no limitations, nor mistakes. Your life is planned from before time and now you get to live it out under His direction.

Eph 1:4  Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.

Eph 1:5  For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]—[AMP]

Furthermore we enter into His purpose for divine outcomes.

 Eph 3:10  [The purpose is] that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere.

Eph 3:11  This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in [the person of] Christ Jesus our Lord, [AMP]

IF YOU SAVE ONE LIFE, YOU HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD ENTIRELY

You see, when you enter into relationship with Jesus Christ you enter that plan He has for you since the beginning of time.

You don’t have to worry about what it is I am supposed to do or become, just obey the voice of God. It’s automatic; you will change the world if you follow His commands.

Peter asked Jesus about what should happen to someone else, and Jesus replied What ever I choose for them is for me to decide – I’m asking you to follow me.

Joh 21:20  But Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved, following–the one who also had leaned back on His breast at the supper and had said, Lord, who is it that is going to betray You?

Joh 21:21  When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, Lord, what about this man?

Joh 21:22  Jesus said to him, If I want him to stay (survive, live) until I come, what is that to you? [What concern is it of yours?] You follow Me! [AMP]

If you change yourself – you have changed the world.

IF YOU SAVE ONE LIFE, YOU HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD ENTIRELY

Changing just one life can make an enormous difference

In Science the Chaos theory has led to the butterfly effect proposition.

In chaos theory, the butterfly effect is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions, where a small change at one place in a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences to a later state. The name of the effect, coined by Edward Lorenz, is derived from the theoretical example of a hurricane’s formation being contingent on whether or not a distant butterfly had flapped its wings several weeks before.

Although the butterfly effect may appear to be an esoteric and unlikely behaviour, it is exhibited by very simple systems: for example, a ball placed at the crest of a hill may roll into any of several valleys depending on, among other things, slight differences in initial position. – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_effect

Similarly in God’s kingdom everything is planned and under his guidance. Nothing escapes His notice. The smallest most inconsequential change is all part of His divine plan.

 Mat 10:29  Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s leave (consent) and notice.

Mat 10:30  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [AMP]

Your choice is to obey or not – God’s plan.

Choose to obey or not.

My story of not witnessing to Peter’s dad

Choose to obey

My pick up of a new convert Maurice Ritchie

 

 

A clip from Schindler’s List – The background to the story is during the second world war, Jews were being exterminated by the millions. One man, a Check, by the name of Oskar Schindler set up businesses and employed Jews and endeavoured to keep them safe from the German extermination. By the end of the war he saved 1100 Jews.

http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/schindlers-list/one-more-person

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskar_Schindler

It’s that little thing that counts…

IF YOU SAVE ONE LIFE, YOU HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD ENTIRELY

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OCTOBERS EVENTS IN PLENTY VALLEY CHURCH

Posted in What's On, tagged , , on September 30, 2012| Leave a Comment »

October Events

This month the theme for the month is Imprints

Sundays

7 October

10am – Worship Leader David Willersdorf will be guest worship leader in the morning service.

 

14th October

International Lunch after the Sunday Morning service – Food from Greece, Sri Lanka, India, Italy plus more $5 per person Families $10 – Proceeds go to Schoolies week outreach.

21st October

Guest Speaker John  Morgan, an aussie from Family Christian Centre in Indiana in the USA. John will be preaching in both services.

http://www.johnmorgancommunications.com/pages/about.html

EVENTS

VALIANT MAN – Begins Thursday night 4th October – 7.30pm Pls text John Matthews if you are coming 0422 452085

 

GUILTY PLEASURE SEMINAR

6th @ 8.00 am Breakfast – Donny Pauling

6th @ 7.30 pm Seminar – Donny Pauling and Alan Meyers

Both at 1330, Ferntree Gully Rd, Scoresby, VIC 3179

http://www.guiltypleasure.tv/event/lets-talk-turkey-about-porn-mens-breakfast/

http://www.guiltypleasure.tv/event/1330-thirteen-thirty/

 

MARCH FOR THE BABIES

13TH Saturday 1.00pm Time:

Location: TreasuryGardens (starting at the south-west corner — Spring Street and Wellington Parade), Melbourne

Show your Support: Wear Pink and Blue

http://marchforthebabies.org.au/event-details/

 

IMPRINTS FUND RAISING DINNER

Saturday night 21st October –    Guest Speaker John Morgan.

Guest Singer Heidi Popp.

 

 

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WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT? # 4

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , , , on September 23, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Message Sunday 23rd September 2012 AM

Fishing with out bait is no fun!

I’m expecting to receive something but it’s all just a game.

I must put some bait on the line, spend some money, give something, put something in, before I can legitimately expect a return.

The size of the bait will determine the size of the catch if I have the right tackle.

So it is with Giving.

Some people just stay in the boat for years and never catch a thing, all the time getting envious of those who are pulling in the big ones.

It takes faith to give.

Faith makes giving take on a supernatural outcome. Giving plus faith initiates the power of multiplication.

2Co 9:8  And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].

2Co 9:9  As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever! [Ps. 112:9.]

2Co 9:10  And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. [Isa. 55:10; Hos. 10:12.]

2Co 9:11  Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God. [AMP]

Verse 8: God is able – but will He do it? Here’s the condition… verse 9: the benevolent person scatters, that is they give… then in verse God provides seed and MULTIPLIES your resources.

Just giving is marvellous and many will benefit, but mix it with faith and see that multiplication take place.

The three women who trusted God

  1. The woman of Zarepath

1Ki 17:9  Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.

1Ki 17:10  So he arose and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her, Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

1Ki 17:11  As she was going to get it, he called to her and said, Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.

1Ki 17:12  And she said, As the Lord your God lives, I have not a loaf baked but only a handful of meal in the jar and a little oil in the bottle. See, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and bake it for me and my son, that we may eat it–and die.

1Ki 17:13  Elijah said to her, Fear not; go and do as you have said. But make me a little cake of [it] first and bring it to me, and afterward prepare some for yourself and your son.

1Ki 17:14  For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: The jar of meal shall not waste away or the bottle of oil fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.

1Ki 17:15  She did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days.

1Ki 17:16  The jar of meal was not spent nor did the bottle of oil fail, according to the word which the Lord spoke through Elijah. [AMP]

When you’re up against a big problem, will you have faith that God will see you through?

Will you start your miracle off with giving?

Will you let a man of God show you how to access God’s miraculous provision?

Will you cringe at the man of God receiving something for himself as part of the miracle?

Will you see the man of God represents God and God is watching to se how you respond?

Isn’t it about time you got out of the boat and became a giver?

The Prophet’s wife

2Ki 4:1  NOW THE wife of a son of the prophets cried to Elisha, Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. But the creditor has come to take my two sons to be his slaves.

2Ki 4:2  Elisha said to her, What shall I do for you? Tell me, what have you [of sale value] in the house? She said, Your handmaid has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.

2Ki 4:3  Then he said, Go around and borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels–and not a few.

2Ki 4:4  And when you come in, shut the door upon you and your sons. Then pour out [the oil you have] into all those vessels, setting aside each one when it is full.

2Ki 4:5  So she went from him and shut the door upon herself and her sons, who brought to her the vessels as she poured the oil.

2Ki 4:6  When the vessels were all full, she said to her son, Bring me another vessel. And he said to her, There is not a one left. Then the oil stopped multiplying.

2Ki 4:7  Then she came and told the man of God. He said, Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons live on the rest. [AMP]

Life throws a curve ball at you sometimes. All your plans have blown up in your face. There’s no answer, so who do you turn to? The man of God!

The answer is in your hand. The limited resources you have right now need to be put to use. Let the man of God show you how to multiply your resources to create the answer. She could have said that oil is all I have I need that for the next weeks meals. The multiplication stopped when the vessels stopped.

Isn’t it about time you got out of the boat and became a giver?

The woman who gave all she had.

Luk 21:1  LOOKING UP, [Jesus] saw the rich people putting their gifts into the treasury.

Luk 21:2  And He saw also a poor widow putting in two mites (copper coins).

Luk 21:3  And He said, Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them;

Luk 21:4  For they all gave out of their abundance (their surplus); but she has contributed out of her lack and her want, putting in all that she had on which to live. [AMP]

This is a story of trust. This woman had relationship with God. She’s a widow. That represents all earthly support systems are missing. She is relying heavily on God… supernatural support systems.

Isn’t it about time you got out of the boat and became a giver?

Why aren’t these stories about men?

The reason is that men see themselves all too often as self sufficient. I will find an answer, I will make it happen.

Paul took a different attitude:

2Co 3:4  Such is the reliance and confidence that we have through Christ toward and with reference to God.

2Co 3:5  Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God.

Isn’t it time you got out of the boat and relied on God for your sufficiency?

Our vision is big. We intend to impact our region with the gospel.

We need to grow in faith. We must believe for big miracles.

One part of growing in faith is growing in our giving. Are you prepared to grow in your giving? Will you choose to trust God with your resources?

Will you demonstrate your trust by giving the first tenth of your income to God?

In our church 64% of people have chosen to do that. Imaging the impact we could make if each person made that one basic step to trust God and become a tither?

Will you choose to give to Kingdom Advance to make a big difference to others?

Our vision is big. We intend to impact our region with the gospel.

That means engaging a community that is increasingly more secular, humanistic, and with much immigration are many people who have Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim faiths.

Two families came to the Community kitchen last Thursday from Iran. When they came to Australia they were Islamic faith now they are Christians. How can we reach more of these beautiful people?

Will you help us? Will you be a giver? Will you step out of the boat and trust God to be your supply?

C’mon… let’s change the world together!

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WHO AM I?

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , on September 16, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Who am I?

When did I begin?

Where did I come from?

Is my life more than matter?

How can I know anything with certainty?

Can I be known by a God who created all things?

(Assumptions in all our messages: The Bible is divinely inspired and infallible. Proof is offered at the 8 messages on the following podsite – http://pvc.podomatic.com/player/web/2010-04-09T06_14_02-07_00 and following)

GOD IS ETERNAL.

THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufl_Nwbl8xs

“Before Abraham was…..I AM” – Jesus   John 8:58

 Rev_1:8  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord God, He Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty (the Ruler of all). [Isa. 9:6.]

Isa 57:15  For thus says the high and lofty One–He Who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, ….

HE CREATED ALL THINGS

Gen 1:1  IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth. [Heb. 11:3.] )AMP)

 Col 1:16  For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. (AMP)

HE DESIGNED YOU

Gen 1:26  God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. [Ps. 104:30; Heb. 1:2; 11:3.] (AMP)

Psa 139:13  You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body,

Psa 139:14  and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt.

Psa 139:15  Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below,

Psa 139:16  but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. (CEV)

WHEN DID I BEGIN?

At the moment of conception.

CONCEPTION OF MAN –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1Jr61Fbnt4

Zec 12:1  The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him: (ESV)

HE KNEW YOU BEFORE YOU WERE BORN

Jer 1:5  Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. [Exod. 33:12; Isa. 49:1, 5; Rom. 8:29.] (AMP)

YOU WERE CALLED AND CHOSEN BEFORE TIME

Eph 1:4  Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.

Rom 8:28  We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Rom 8:29  For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.

Rom 8:30  And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. (AMP)

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WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT # 2

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , , , on September 9, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Isn’t it time to obey God?

The Story…

Mat 14:22  As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people.

Mat 14:23  With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.

Mat 14:24  Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves.

Mat 14:25  At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water.

Mat 14:26  They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.

Mat 14:27  But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

Mat 14:28  Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”

Mat 14:29  He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. (MESS)

In this story Peter chooses to obey Jesus even though all the natural knowledge and instincts were telling him, “No don’t do it!”

Have you heard the voice of God? It’s that nagging feeling that you can’t get rid of. It’s like you conscience gnawing away at you on the inside except when it’s God’s voice there’s an urgency attached to it. You can ignore it for 30 years but it still feels more urgent every year.

WHEN WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT AND OBEY GOD?

It’s vital to hear the voice of God

We get caught up in the hum drum of daily lives. God waits patiently by.   He has already spoken the command to us and we are preoccupied with the petty unimportant trivialities of life.

When will you obey Him?

Mary and Martha

Luk 10:38  As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home.

Luk 10:39  She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said.

Luk 10:40  But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.”

Luk 10:41  The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing.

Luk 10:42  One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it–it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”

What are you fussing over while the most important issue goes unchecked in your inbox?

Come on, be honest – you heard God calling you!

WHEN WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT AND OBEY GOD?

What has He called you to do?

MY STORY

When I was at Uni – I wanted to serve God. That was passion, commitment and dedication talking. But what was God saying? “Get a job!”

Can you hear God say what you don’t want to hear?

Then later when I’m settled into to a high paying job, God calls – “Now come and work for me” So now I ask God directly, What do you want me to do? He responds with these words etched into my heart; “What good is an arrow that never flies, what good is a wind that never blows, what good is a fire that never burns?”

God usually speaks in a way that you least expect and couldn’t make it up.

I was expecting a “Yes” or “Wait on me” or “Your time has not yet come”

WHEN WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT AND OBEY GOD?

So many times we have heard it and we discount that word.

Gideon

Jdg 6:34  GOD’s Spirit came over Gideon. He blew his ram’s horn trumpet and the Abiezrites came out, ready to follow him.

Jdg 6:35  He dispatched messengers all through Manasseh, calling them to the battle; also to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali. They all came.

Jdg 6:36  Gideon said to God, “If this is right, if you are using me to save Israel as you’ve said,

Jdg 6:37  then look: I’m placing a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If dew is on the fleece only, but the floor is dry, then I know that you will use me to save Israel, as you said.”

Jdg 6:38  That’s what happened. When he got up early the next morning, he wrung out the fleece–enough dew to fill a bowl with water!

Jdg 6:39  Then Gideon said to God, “Don’t be impatient with me, but let me say one more thing. I want to try another time with the fleece. But this time let the fleece stay dry, while the dew drenches the ground.”

Jdg 6:40  God made it happen that very night. Only the fleece was dry while the ground was wet with dew.

God’s been speaking to you for years!!! When are you going to acknowledge it?

When are you going to respond? Will you live your whole life wondering what could have been?

WHEN WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT AND OBEY GOD?

Obedience has a cost.

The disciples

Luk 5:10  And so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon (Peter). And Jesus said to Simon, Have no fear; from now on you will be catching men!

Luk 5:11  And after they had run their boats on shore, they left everything and  joined Him as His disciples and sided with His party and accompanied Him.

MY STORY

Five years at Uni. I had a new job an Electrical Engineer paying well. My whole career was ahead of me. I came to work for a church in an unskilled position for a quarter of the pay. Then after about 6 months the church went through a financial crisis and my pay was halved. We learned faith. Is God our provider or not?

WHEN WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT AND OBEY GOD?

Fear will stop you obeying God.

Peter

Mat 14:26  They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.

Mat 14:27  But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

Mat 14:28  Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”

The mind is often an adversary in your walk with God. It will think of a huge number of reasons why obeying God is a bad idea. Think of Peter’s dilemma. How experts would be happy to give you advice that walking on water is just impossible?

Fear will target your insecurity.

If I obey God how will I provide for myself?

Wrong – God is your provision.

Fear will target what others think.

If I obey God every one will think that I am a fanatic, unbalanced, crazy even!

Wrong – Psa_118:6  The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? [AMP]

Ultimately, eternity will tell the story of your obedience.

In a million years from now – what will really be important to you?

What decisions will really impact eternity?

2Co 5:10  For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing]. (AMP)

I want to draw your attention to what God has called you to do. Not the day to day little acts of obedience, though they are important, but to what the big picture call is saying to you.

That has God asked of you – what has He called you to do?

WHEN WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT AND OBEY GOD?

Put aside fears, forget what others will say about you, look past the inconvenience of today and get out of the boat!

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ARE YOU A SALMON CHRISTIAN?

Posted in Church, Culture Watch, Equip the Saints, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 4, 2012| Leave a Comment »

I am going to swim upstream all my life!

Jesus said,

Mat 7:14 But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. [Deut. 30:19; Jer. 21:8.] (AMP)

So it looks like the way to life has some pressure, some obstacles, some challenges.

Many Christians don’t want to live a life of pressure. They are longing for an easy life a life without the slog.

But that is the wrong way to look at it.  The salmon loves the swim upstream to the spawning grounds. It’s hazardous and strenuous but only the salmon that swim upstream get to reproduce.

You can look at life as a constant struggle or you can decide that you love the challenge – it’s a new mindset. Like the athlete who trains every day for fitness and to become better at their sport, we enjoy staying on top of their game. There’s invigorating life and strength that comes from doing the journey well. We press into God and obtain His presence and inner strength (Ephes 3:16 AMP) We delight in seeing lives changed and know that we have been part of the amazing plan God has for their lives. We see the future of God’s Kingdom coming into it’s fullness and the earth being filled with His glory.

The Flourishing Christian life is one that swims upstream of course. We are constantly opposed by spiritual forces and persecution. In Australia persecution comes as a  constant flow of ridicule for anyone who believes in the bible and Godly values. It’s portrayed as intolerant, negative, discriminatory, and outdated. But God’s word and His kingdom are life to us.

2Co 2:15 For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:
2Co 2:16 To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things? [Who is able for such a ministry? We?](AMP)

If you want to swim upstream then every day you choose to live God’s way in spite of temptations, opposition, spiritual oppression and personal attack…… AND LOVING IT!!!!

 

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THE CHUCK NORRIS SERIES

Posted in Church, Culture Watch, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , on September 3, 2012| Leave a Comment »

FATHERS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD.

VIDEO – fathers day in the car 1:30 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=XGgS5oh2gfo

(Some special Chuck Norris jokes.

When Alexander Bell invented the telephone he had 3 missed calls from Chuck Norris

Fear of spiders is arachnophobia, fear of tight spaces is claustrophobia, fear of Chuck Norris is called Logic

Chuck Norris doesn’t call the wrong number. You answer the wrong phone.

Chuck Norris has a grizzly bear carpet in his room. The bear isn’t dead it is just afraid to move.

Chuck Norris has already been to Mars; that’s why there are no signs of life there.

Once the cop pulled over Chuck Norris….the cop was lucky to leave with a warning.

Chuck Norris and Superman once fought each other on a bet. The loser had to start wearing his underwear on the outside of his pants.

Death once had a near-Chuck Norris experience

Chuck Norris counted to infinity – twice.

Chuck Norris once got bit by a rattle snake…….. After three days of pain and agony ………………the rattle snake died

Only Chuck Norris can dislike on Facebook

Chuck Norris’s tears cure all kinds of diseases…. Too bad he never cries.)

Chuck Norris is the toughest man that ever lived (in Hollywood anyway) – and he’s a real Christian too!! In today’s world God needs some very tough men to live wholeheartedly for Him. Men will you do it? Or will you wimp out?

A father has the biggest opportunity to change the world in one generation.

Dad, never underestimate your power to change the world.

Leo Tolstoy once said:  Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.

The world constantly needs change. Fathers will have the biggest influence on the lives of their children. If they raise them well they will create a different world. If they raise them badly then the world slips closer to ruin.

The Bible says:

2Ti 3:1  BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].

2Ti 3:2  For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.

2Ti 3:3  [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.

2Ti 3:4  [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.

2Ti 3:5  For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them].

Tonight if you’re a dad here, let me show you how to raise sons that will serve God. If you’re a young man, let me challenge you to change the world for God and get ready to be a great father when later you marry.

If you’re a woman here let me show you how to find a godly man who will lead you to a walk with God.

Dads

1. Be an example:

2Th 3:6  Now we charge you, brethren, in the name and on the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) that you withdraw and keep away from every brother (fellow believer) who is slack in the performance of duty and is disorderly, living as a shirker and not walking in accord with the traditions and instructions that you have received from us.

2Th 3:7  For you yourselves know how it is necessary to imitate our example, for we were not disorderly or shirking of duty when we were with you [we were not idle].

2Th 3:8  Nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and struggle we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden or impose on any of you [for our support].

2Th 3:9  [It was] not because we do not have a right [to such support], but [we wished] to make ourselves an example for you to follow.

The best way to mess up your teens is preach one way and live another. It’s called hypocrisy. Older people get used to it and they can process it, but teens are idealistic and they see through it straight away. It messes them up big time.

VIDEO – It goes fast dad    2.48   http://youtu.be/IOwWlw5zPcc

2. Pray for your wife and Kids

Luk 18:1  ALSO [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not to turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up).

There are many temptations. Pray for your wife and kids for God’s protection.

3. Talk about life with them

Tell your kids what will happen as they get older.

Sammy, someone will offer you a drink one day. What will you say to them? What if they ridicule you? Where do you get your strength from?

Mary, a boy will tell you he loves you one day and what he means is; take off your pants for me. What will you say? Let me tell you how to find a boy that will respect you.

Girls – Your advice.

  1. Know your true worth according to what God says about you, not what the world says about you.

Pro 31:10  A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman–who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. [Prov. 12:4; 18:22; 19:14.]

  1. The world says your value lies in how beautiful and slim you are – don’t fall for it, it’s all about the heart.

1Pe 3:3  What matters is not your outer appearance–the styling of your hair, the jewellery you wear, the cut of your clothes–

1Pe 3:4  but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. (MESS)

Know a man’s heart before you explore his body. Find out what a man is living for. Is his dream to serve God no matter what the cost? That’s your passion isn’t it? If he lives like that he would die for you. Keep yourself for that wedding day.

Eph 5:25  Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church–a love marked by giving, not getting. (MESS)

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WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT? # 1

Posted in Church, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , , on September 2, 2012| Leave a Comment »

A FATHERS DAY MESSAGE

For us guys we are called upon to be the leader in many situations.

We are called to be courageous and to be the answer in many different ways.

Sometimes we fail and believe we could have done a better job.

But one of the most courageous things a man can do is ask for help!

Some say, “I’m rough and I’m tough and I don’t need no help from no body!!”

EXAMPLE – MY ROLE AS A POLICE CHAPLAIN

Superintendent Geoff O’Laughlin – “We all think we are bullet proof, but we’re not and we need some one to talk to.”

Some times the hardest thing in the world is to ask for help.

It takes real courage to say, “I don’t have all the answers.”

STORY

Mat 14:22  Right away, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away.

Mat 14:23  Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later that evening, he was still there.

Mat 14:24  By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves.

Mat 14:25  A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples.

Mat 14:26  When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming.

Mat 14:27  At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.”

Mat 14:28  Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.”

Mat 14:29  “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.

Mat 14:30  But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Mat 14:31  Right away, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, “You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?”

Mat 14:32  When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down.

Mat 14:33  The men in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God!”

Peter had enough courage to ask Jesus “If its really you tell me to come.”

The other disciples just sat back frozen with fear.

Look at The Sons of Thunder…. Not a peep!

What about Matthew, used to asking for tax money… not a peep!

Thomas …. Not a peep!

ONLY ONE MAN STOOD UP AND ASKED FOR AN INVITATION.

When do men think about needing help?

When they are playing footy

When they are pouring concrete

When they are carrying a load too heavy for two other normal sized guys

What about when they are having trouble finding directions? – not a hope!

What about when they are told they should go to the doctor?

What about when they are struggling with their marriage?

What about when they are struggling with sin?

What about when they are trying to win back the hearts of their teenagers that have gone astray?

For so many of us guys, we find it so hard to ask for help if it means being vulnerable. Any sign of weakness or feeling inadequate we equate with being less of a man.

BUT THE TRUTH IS IT TAKES REAL COURAGE TO REACH OUT FOR HELP.

The final outcome is more important than how I feel or how I think others will see me.

EXAMPLE

In Church if we have an altar call to respond to God for His power and answers – we will get a whole group of women out the front. Usually no guys!

EXAMPLE

When I’m at Conference and its altar call time – will I respond to the preacher and come forward to receive from God?

It’s hard… sometimes I feel like I don’t want to go … to appear liKe I haven’t got it all together. But mostly I go, because I want to open to God.

A few years back I went to see a Christian Counsellor because I was struggling  with depression. He concluded that I was fine but I needed to work through some things. I could have said I can push through… I’ll be all right…. But I wanted to be the best I can be for God. I wanted to be totally whole and strong so I can be the most use to God. So I overcame my reluctance and fear and went to see someone for help.

Peter got out of the boat – he risked failure! He did fail in a way. But really he was an amazing success!

The other disciples must have felt regret by not having a go.

WHAT HELD THEM BACK? – FEAR.

What holds you back? Does fear stop you from reaching out when you need help?

Will you sit in the boat all your life? Or will you take courage and ask for help to be a better man for God, a better man for your family, a better man for your kids.

VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OEqYwz2qhw

Will you get out of the boat? Will you be courageous enough to ask for help when you need it?

Preview of tonight

Chuck Norris is the toughest man that ever lived (in Hollywood anyway) – and he’s a real Christian too!! In today’s world God needs some very tough men to live wholeheartedly for Him. Men will you do it? Or will you wimp out?

A father has the biggest opportunity to change the world in one generation.

Never underestimate your power dad to change the world.

Leo Tolstoy once said:  Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.

Read Full Post »