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When life hands you a problem – Jesus is the answer

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged Answers, Belief, christian, church, Craig Anderson, disciples, discipleship, miracles, overcoming, overwhelmed, plenty valley church, problem on December 23, 2012| Leave a Comment »

The Answer No. 4

How many times in life have you been faced with a problem and thought, “Why am I the one who has to fix this? I could just walk away.” However, you believe that you are the one that must take responsibility for this one and so you begin the journey of discovering what the answer is.

Have you ever been in the situation of making plans and later finding conditions have changed? What you thought would be easy is now not happening. You’ve got a problem.

Sometimes life makes a U turn right in front of you and there was no indicator!

Like a friend of mine who who’s brother took a drug overdose and ended up a quadriplegic. His parents were not well enough to take care of him so my friend took ten years out of his life to become a carer for him. That’s a 24 hours a day life change.

How do you get through a problem like that?

Like the time we decided to move from Brisbane to Melbourne to plant a new church and the week we left, the sale on our house in Brisbane fell through, the market went flat and we ended up paying rent in Melbourne and a mortgage in Brisbane with no income. How do you fix a problem like that?

When life hands you a problem; Jesus is the answer.

There are only two reasons life hands you a problem. The first is so you can find Jesus and the second one is so you can get to know Him better; that is, grow your faith.

It’s all about faith. God wants you to learn faith; that is the constantly abiding trust that God is in control and He has taken care of everything.

I didn’t say there would be no pain, but there will be answers and growth and joy.

Let’s look at the day Jesus handed a problem to His disciples.

Mat 14:13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.

Mat 14:14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Mat 14:15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”

Mat 14:16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”

Mat 14:17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.”

Mat 14:18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.”

Mat 14:19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

Mat 14:20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.

Mat 14:21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. (ESV)

Circumstances of life are constantly changing. A great friend of mine has a saying that I think is true: “Constant change is here to stay” Life just presents problems all the time. You can complain, but it won’t change anything. You can grow and that makes you a bigger person to handle the next challenge or problem. When you were a small child you handled it without stress; every time you fell over when trying to learn to walk you just got right back up and tried again. Every time you fell off that bike you had a bit of a cry, dusted yourself off and hopped right back on again and had another go. Now you’re older and wiser, when things go pear shaped, you whinge and complain and blame the government, your spouse and the economy and give yourself an excuse to stop trying.

I want you to notice something about this story. The crowd has been listening to Jesus all day…. That’s a long sermon. Wow, these people were hungry for spiritual truth. How hungry are you? But that’s not what I’m asking you to notice. The disciples are the ones who say to Jesus “Hey these people are hungry we need to send them to the shop for a burger. They were well trained in the Workplace Health and Safety requirements to ensure good practice!

So Jesus hands the problem back to them. “No, you feed them” Jesus hands them the problem knowing full well that He is the answer to their problem. He doesn’t just say to His disciples. “Hey let’s feed these people, go find anything you can and I’ll make it multiply. Watch this!” If He did that people would be impressed but they wouldn’t learn what He wants them to learn. And that is: dependence on Jesus. In the same story told in the book of John it says as much.

Joh 6:5 Jesus looked up then, and seeing that a vast multitude was coming toward Him, He said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread, so that all these people may eat?

Joh 6:6 But He said this to prove (test) him, for He well knew what He was about to do.

Joh 6:7 Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennies’ (forty dollars) worth of bread is not enough that everyone may receive even a little (AMP)

When a problem comes your way in life, it’s opportunity. The problem isn’t from God, the answer is from God. In this story Jesus didn’t create the problem. The situation arose through people wanting more of Truth. Then the disciples recognised – we have a problem. However, Jesus plans through every problem to make you grow and find Him in a deeper way. What He wants you to learn is to trust Him for the answer, and don’t slide into blame, complain and despair.

In this story the disciples recognise the need. These people need food. Jesus throws the responsibility for the problem right back on them. “You feed them.” Now they discover resources are not adequate. In life resources will never be adequate. When the problem comes, it’s a problem because the resources aren’t adequate. So the process Jesus wants you to learn is this.

Take responsibility for the answer
Take stock of what resources you have
Give those meagre resources to Him
Trust Him for the complete answer.

Simple right? When King David of Israel faced this issue in 1 Samuel 30:1-6 He learned that even his most faithful supporters turned against him in his moment of greatest need. When the problem – make that challenge – comes your way; it’s often the case that all your normal leaning posts will fall over. Everything you could look to for support and strength seems to disappear. Why is that? God wants you to come to the place where He, and He alone, is your answer.

In the midst of your reality, that is the reality of your problem, you need to remind yourself that He is with you. Isa 43:1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

Isa 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (ESV)

If you are facing mountains too high for you – Jesus is the answer. Each challenge is an amazing opportunity to find a new level of trust and faith in Jesus and see the answers come through. Why did Jesus say? :Mat 17:20 He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

Surely the most impossible task for any person would be to move a mountain. Yet twice Jesus says to His disciples speak to the mountain, and expect it to move. No matter how big your problem is the only question is will you trust Jesus for the answer?

Jesus is the Answer for everything you face in life. Learn to totally trust in Him and rely on Him.

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How much will you let Christmas change you?

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged Answers, christian, church, Craig Anderson, forgiveness, jesus, Jesus - the reason for the season, Joyeux Noel, love, love one another, plenty valley church, War on December 16, 2012| Leave a Comment »

It’s Christmas – End the war!

It’s Christmas time! It is the celebration of Jesus birth. Just as it was about to take place, God had something to say…

Luk 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (MKJV)

So often it isn’t peace among men, but war. There are bitter disputes in all places between all ages and all ethnicities. God sent Jesus to earth to end the hostility between God and Man.

Rom_5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

After this, as men became persuaded of this salvation, then they took on a new heart and a new way of relating to others. Now, through Jesus own command, His people must…

Luk 6:35 But love your enemies and be kind and do good [doing favours so that someone derives benefit from them] and lend, expecting and hoping for nothing in return but considering nothing as lost and despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind and charitable and good to the ungrateful and the selfish and wicked. (AMP)

Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (KJV)

There is a place for self defence. All that is precious must be protected. Thank God we have a police force and the courts system that brings justice, however flawed they are; without them we would have anarchy that would make life unliveable. However, beyond that, Jesus asks us as Christians Rom 12:18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

One day a along time ago, men who had been at war with each other put down their weapons and gave one another gifts. These men were fighting in World War I and one night their feelings for their enemy changed and their actions were reversed and a complete change took over their lives.

What was the catalyst for this remarkable change? Christmas!

“Though there was no official truce, roughly 100,000 British and German troops were involved in unofficial cessations of fighting along the length of the Western Front.^[8] The first truce started on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1914, when German troops began decorating the area around their trenches in the region of Ypres, Belgium.^[9]

The Germans began by placing candles on their trenches and on Christmas trees, then continued the celebration by singing Christmas carols. The British responded by singing carols of their own. The two sides continued by shouting Christmas greetings to each other. Soon thereafter, there were excursions across No Man’s Land, where small gifts were exchanged, such as food, tobacco and alcohol, and souvenirs such as buttons and hats. The artillery in the region fell silent. The truce also allowed a breathing spell where recently killed soldiers could be brought back behind their lines by burial parties. Joint services were held. The fraternisation carried risks; some soldiers were shot by opposing forces. In many sectors, the truce lasted through Christmas night, but in others it continued until New Year’s Day.^[7]”

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

Here’s a clip from a movie called “Joyeux Noel” that told the story of this remarkable ceasefire. http://youtu.be/CW2mGdiu8Uk

These soldiers were trained to kill. They truly believed that it was their duty to kill men from the opposing army. If they could kill many enemies and get home alive; that was very good, but if not, they were prepared to lay down their lives for their country. If men engaged in a bloody warfare can be so changed by recognition of what Christmas is all about, then surely we can look at Christmas through God’s eyes and call an end to the war we have had with others.

Are there people in your family that you have been at war with? Have you been hostile in word or deed with anyone in your world? Think about the thoughts that go through your mind at times when you’re thinking of those who feel badly towards. Those unkind thoughts, those accusations, that feeling of revenge; the lack of kindly plans toward them; are all evidence of something that can and must change.

If these men in WWI can rethink to the extent that they forgot that they were enemies for just one night- then why cant you? Most likely you haven’t had a gun fired directly at you from your people; nor have you seen your best mates carried off in a body bag. For most of us, what we have endured has been some unkindness, some bad words, some persecution or theft. Has your pain been of the order of these soldiers?

And yet they left the hostility and laid down their arms and celebrated Christmas. The really sad part of this story is that when the truce was over, they went back to business as usual, and began shooting each other. But this is not how it must be. The peace you create with those you have been hostile towards can be a lasting peace. It doesn’t have to be Christmas cards at 50 paces for ever!

How could this tradition of Christmas be so powerful? The reason is Christmas speaks so eloquently of God’s love and His gift to us all. Jesus – unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Can we see ourselves as we really are? Can we see that our potential to hurt is the same as any other man; can we see that we have affronted God’s grace with our thoughts of evil? That we are as guilty of offence as any perpetrator is? Can we see that we need the mercy of God to deliver to us this roughly gift wrapped package of forgiveness that was laid in a manger, for us, so undeserved and matched only by our need.

Thank God for Jesus – the reason for the season.

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Sickness drains the life out of you!

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged Answers, Belief, christian, church, Craig Anderson, desperate, healing, medical science, miracles, plenty valley church on December 15, 2012| Leave a Comment »

The Answer No. 3 Jesus is the answer when you are sick.

When sickness strikes a family, the struggle can be enormous. Have you experienced the feeling of helplessness that comes when someone you love is very ill and you wish you could do more for them? Pain can take over your life and render you unable to function properly. Illness is costly in so many ways; the suffering, the loss of function and productivity, the stress of coping and the financial costs are all huge and debilitating.

People are living longer these days. Since the 70’s life span averages in Australia have increased by 10 years. Yet there’s a far greater load on the health system than ever before. The rates of heart disease, stroke and diabetes are rising all the time. Alzheimer’s disease is rising rapidly even in the lower age brackets. In spite of incredible advances in medical science; sickness is more prevalent than ever. No doubt our unhealthy life styles including lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and over eating have led to obesity and illness. Stress levels are rising (See the previous blog) pollution and contaminants are poisoning our air and water; and processed food adds little of the food value we once enjoyed. There is so much need in human lives even in this great country of Australia.

Jesus is the answer. All the way through the gospels we see Jesus healing people at every turn. He is still the same today. He never changes; He is the same yesterday today and forever. Heb_13:8 Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages). (AMP)

So many people don’t come to Jesus for healing of their physical bodies because they think that this is only available through faith and they just don’t have faith. I’m here to tell you today Jesus does heal through faith but you have faith. It’s part of your capacity as a person created by God. Jesus said: Mat_17:20 He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. (AMP)

Many others don’t come to Jesus for healing because they mistakenly believe that healings and miracles only took place in Jesus day and are not for today. These wrong ideas come from erroneous teaching, and rob people of the answers available to them.

Still others don’t come to Jesus for healing because they don’t know anything about it and that it is available. We see people healed often in our local church. We have seen and experienced miracles as people have prayed and trusted in Jesus’ power.

An Australian preacher who has great success praying for the sick is John Mellor who comes each year to this church and we experience healings and miracles as Jesus touches peoples lives. John has placed many of the miracles on Youtube as testimony to the miracle power of Jesus to heal. You can check them out here: https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMellorMinistries

Jesus is the answer for you today. If you or your loved ones are experiencing sickness in your bodies Jesus can heal you. He is the answer. Let’s look at one of the most inspiring stories in the gospels about healing.

Mat 15:22 And behold, a woman who was a Canaanite from that district came out and, with a [loud, troublesomely urgent] cry, begged, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is miserably and distressingly and cruelly possessed by a demon!

Mat 15:23 But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, Send her away, for she is crying out after us.

Mat 15:24 He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Mat 15:25 But she came and, kneeling, worshipped Him and kept praying, Lord, help me!

Mat 15:26 And He answered, It is not right (proper, becoming, or fair) to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.

Mat 15:27 She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the little pups (little whelps) eat the crumbs that fall from their [young] masters’ table.

Mat 15:28 Then Jesus answered her, O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you wish. And her daughter was cured from that moment.

In this story Jesus goes to a part of Israel which is a sea port on the Mediterranean Sea. There were in these regions obviously many people who were not of Jewish origin. Yet as with people every where it was sickness that brought this woman to Jesus. There was a great need in her life; her little daughter was very, very sick and she needed a miracle. Have you ever had a child who was very sick? I’m sure you felt that you would do anything to see them helped. This mother was desperate find help for her daughter. She had heard about Jesus and His miracles and she just decided that she was going to get one of those for her daughter.

The problem was: Jesus was on a mission to bring the message of God’s love and power to the Jewish people first and then have His disciples take it to the rest of the world later after He had died and rose again. So in effect this woman was asking for a miracle about two years too early. This wasn’t some arbitrary idea of Jesus to be exclusive with the Jews, He was fulfilling a promise God made long ago to Abraham and his offspring that He would bless the whole world through them.

But this woman would not be put off. She refused to take no for an answer. And she got her miracle. Jesus said it was faith that gave her the miracle. We look at that exchange and we see a woman who seemed to make a clever deduction about what Jesus was saying, but Jesus saw her faith, it was that determination and that persistence that won through. Is your faith like that? So often we have negative feelings and we just want to give up. There will always be big obstacles to your miracle just as there was for this woman. Your obstacles might be:

It’s never happened before to me.
What would my family say if I received a miracle at a church?
My doctor said there is no cure
We already prayed and nothing happened.

I could go on ad on. But this woman was so determined to receive that she just kept on asking and asking of Jesus. Mat 7:7 Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. (AMP)

You may say “Yes, but Jesus was physically there, He had to deal with it. I can’t see Jesus. I don’t know if He can hear me. It’s not the same” Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever, when he had died rose again and ascended into heaven His disciples healed people everywhere. Act 3:6 But Peter said, Silver and gold (money) I do not have; but what I do have, that I give to you: in [the use of] the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!

Act 3:7 Then he took hold of the man’s right hand with a firm grip and raised him up. And at once his feet and ankle bones became strong and steady,

Act 3:8 And leaping forth he stood and began to walk, and he went into the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. (AMP)

Jesus is still healing people all over the world. Just watch a few of those John Mellor videos to inspire your faith. There’s about 2000 of them on that youtube channel. Perhaps you will say to me, “yes but I have no faith, it can’t happen for me!”

Don’t give up. Come to Jesus, He will meet your need, be persistent and determined. 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).

The opponents of healing and miracles will tell you about people who prayed like crazy and didn’t get healed as if this was evidence that no one will get healed. This kind of upside down logic, if applied to cars for example, means that if your car breaks down just leave it because someone once tried to get their car fixed and it didn’t work, so don’t even try and get yours fixed! If there’s only one miracle in our day and age then it’s proof that it can happen. So if it can happen and you need a miracle why wouldn’t you go after it? Instead of looking at the ones who didn’t receive why don’t you look at the ones who did?

Jesus is the answer when you have a need. When you need a miracle or a healing, come to Jesus. Go find a church that believes in healing. Watch some of those John Mellor healing videos, read the gospels and get inspired. Go after it and don’t give up.

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FEELING STRESSED?

Posted in Church, Culture Watch, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged Answers, ANXIETY, christian, church, Craig Anderson, DEPRESSION, help, jesus, overcoming, PEACE, plenty valley church, STRESS, WORRY on December 9, 2012| 4 Comments »

The Answer

Stress is all too prevalent in the world today. In spite of all the advancement in medicine, education and health advice we face massively escalating levels of stress induced ill health.

Do you feel the pressure of life gets too much for you at times? You’re not alone; many feel like it’s getting too much to bear. Mental Experts say that stress levels amongst the general population today are equivalent to mental patients in the 1950-60s! http://tinyurl.com/a89hua9

I notice so often on game shows where the contestant is about to win some big money, the show host always asks what will you do with the money if you win? – The answer is almost always – take a holiday!

Do you find yourself feeling anxiety to the point of being unhappy? Do you suffer from the results of stress such as heart palpitations, mouth ulcers, skin rashes, tension headaches, stomach ulcers, neck pain, bad backs and on and on it goes.

Depression is huge in our society. I want help you today – Jesus can be your answer today if depression plagues you. The statistics are clear: “This year [2010] alone 1,000,000 people in Australia will experience a depressive illness.” http://mraact.org.au/2010/06/black-dog-r…
“Depression is the third largest individual health problem in Australia after heart disease and stroke.” http://www.blackdogride.com.au/view/red-…

“About 6% of [Australian] people will experience a major depressive illness in their lifetime. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men will experience some form of depression during their life.” http://mindframe-media.powersites.com.au…

What is it about our fast paced world we live in, that we have no place to de-stress? We live in a peace free zone that does not enable the majority of us the ways to find the life and peace that we so desperately need? Come on – how many of you have daydreamed about living on some tropical island paradise and totally veging out?

A study in England from June 2012 found that among people under 65, nearly half of all ill health is mental illness (http://tinyurl.com/d6azuzf). Yet only a quarter of all those with mental illness are in treatment, compared with the vast majority of those with physical conditions.

I want to help you to find out today that Jesus is the answer for you.

Jesus is the answer to the stress and pressure you feel today.

The bible predicts this kind of experience in the last days:

Luk 21:26 Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter.

Jesus faced the most horrific levels of stress imaginable and the result was he sweat great drops of blood. Here’s the story:

Luk 22:41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw and knelt down and prayed,

Luk 22:42 Saying, Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.

Luk 22:43 And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him in spirit.

Luk 22:44 And being in an agony [of mind], He prayed [all the] more earnestly and intently, and His sweat became like great clots of blood dropping down upon the ground.

(Hematidrosis (also called hematohidrosis) is a very rare condition in which a human sweats blood. It may occur when a person is suffering extreme levels of stress, for example, facing his or her own death.^[1] Several historical references have been described; notably by Leonardo da Vinci: describing a soldier who sweated blood before battle, men unexpectedly given a death sentence, as well as descriptions in the Bible, that Jesus experienced hematidrosis when he was praying in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematidrosis )

The stress that Jesus felt was through his task of bearing the sins of all mankind on himself. Would he succeed as a man? (Being essentially fully God and fully man) Would he be able to complete the task? The fear He faced and overcame, was whether He would fail or not in His mission; not to mention the weight of all the sin of mankind about to be placed on Him; and the inevitable separation from the Father for a time. A very big outcome rested on His being successful in this mission. Yours and my salvation depended on it! He carried our sins and sicknesses on His body on the cross (1Pe 2:24 He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. (AMP))

The power of substitution.

All the way through the Old Testament God showed His acceptance of the substitute. God accepted the substitute of a lamb or a bullock as in offering to atone for or pay for the sins of a person who brought that animal to Gods altar of sacrifice. It was the innocent standing in the place of the guilty. Later Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Because he carried our sins we don’t have to bear the judgement of them. Only if a person has faith in Jesus Christ, then they can claim the substitutionary death of Jesus as applying to them. In the same manner Jesus also carried our sicknesses in His own body on the cross. Mat 8:17 And thus He fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, He Himself took [in order to carry away] our weaknesses and infirmities and bore away our diseases.

Just as Jesus carried your sins and sickness on the cross, He also carried your stress and anxiety. By being so stressed and anxious Himself, He bore all the pains and stress and fear of failure that you will ever be faced with. In fact Isaiah tells us directly: Isa 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.

As a substitute for us, Jesus carried our stress and anxiety. The chastisement of our peace or the pain necessary to obtain our peace was given to Him. What He carried we don’t have to carry. Just as He carried our sins and He carried our sicknesses; so He also carried our stress and anxiety.

Through faith in Christ you can obtain the atonement of sins, the taking away of your sins. Through faith in Jesus Christ also you can receive healing for your infirmities. So then also in faith you can receive total peace in your mind and heart through Jesus Christ because he carried those things also. As our perfect substitute He paid the price for all that we need for complete salvation in our body soul and spirit. The healing of our minds or our soul is just as real as the healing of our body and heart. This life and this healing we have received is complete.

Do you know that Jesus knows your pain and stress levels intimately? He experienced all that you will ever experience and more. That is why He is compassionate and able to bring healing and life to you. Heb 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. Heb 4:16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favour to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. Psa_94:19 In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul! (AMP)

So what does this answer look like? What is this peace that Jesus offers to us?

Here’s how the bible describes it: Php 4:6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

Php 4:7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

What a beautiful picture of God’s help for you, that tranquil state of mind. It’s a kind of peace that will set up a protective wall around your life. It’s like a garrison around your heart and mind. It sounds awesome doesn’t it?

It’s obtained through faith; but let me share with you how to work with your faith to obtain real and lasting peace.

Come to Jesus and see how big He is in comparison to your tiny problems. He created the whole universe and this world; isn’t He big enough to take care of you?
He is so vitally interested in you and loves you unreservedly, unconditionally. Luk 12:32 Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom!
1Pe 5:7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps. 55:22.] What this means is; you throw over, to cast upon; your cares; it implies a quick flip or toss of the cares and anxieties onto Jesus. This is about how you think on your problems. It’s about applying your faith to this change of thinking….. you can think differently because you have evidence now from God’s word that He cares for you; so you can give the worry and anxiety and stress over to Him.
Now thank Him for every good thing. Phil 4:6….. with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Thankfulness is very powerful in changing your thinking to receive God’s peace.

Reach out to Jesus today. Lean on Him with your mind and heart. Consider how much He loves you. He knows how to bring the answer to you. Jesus is the answer!

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Australia in 20 years

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged Belief, christian, church, Craig Anderson, Fire, Persecution, plenty valley church, secularisation on November 11, 2012| Leave a Comment »

What was Australia like 30 years ago?

Our youth group, did street work, 60-90 teens and young adults on the street every Friday night. We saw from 2 to about 25 saved very time.

God called me to preach at the Uni. QLD uni. Street preaching.

The church grew from people pouring out of the denominational scene.

Tent Crusades, country evangelism team.

This church was planted in 1994.

There was a Holy Spirit outpouring with laughter, visions and drunkenness.

When we came here to Melbourne we were one family husband-and-wife with four young children but we were God dependent. We knew no one in the city we had one couple with us and a young woman who played keyboard. The church in Brisbane gave us support money for rent of our building and rent of our house

We still had a house in Brisbane that wouldn’t sell we had to pay the mortgage there and no rent income but at that time we chose not to work secular jobs. The first Sunday offering we received $318 and we gave the whole lot away to another COC as a first fruits offering.

We came with a goal and a vision to build up COC in Victoria

Our Vision today

Vision: five

500 in five years

five souls a week

$5000 in the offering

We have a big vision, our vision is 100 churches in 20 years

Now vision is to build a new church complex on the hill over the next seven years.

Australia is changing is undergoing secularisation. Issues like same-sex marriage forcing a new agenda in Australia. There is a strong movement against Christianity. Now we see a new atheism has arisen; it is defined by Peter Pilt as not just a belief that there is no God, but aggressively working to wipe out Christianity.

Here’s some issues that will test the church over the next 20 years…

Pastors charged with a crime for not marrying same sex couples.
Schools forced to teach unbiblical views about sexuality as another option and normal
ChristianSchools forced to provide condoms to students.
Outlawing of the teaching of creation.
Doctors in Victoria who refuse to perform an abortion when requested by a woman are charged with a crime.
The over-sexualisation of the culture
Legalisation of drugs.
Accommodation of Islamic values in Australian Culture.

At the same time the Catholic Church has not helped the cause of the church here in Australia was so much paedophilia taking place through the priesthood. There is a changing mood in the society of Australia to see the church as outdated irrelevant and even part of the problem.

Young people in our schools universities you will come up against opposition to your face.

Will you be able to stand? How do you stand when it appears that your enemy seems right in their thinking? Or if you can’t answer their questions or criticisms.

Listen to me; it’s no difference to Christians in the communist nations who have been persecuted for their faith. Their captors seemed right in their criticism of those Christians too.

What are you going to do about it?

There is a strategy of the secularised system. The approach is:

Ridicule all belief in God
Prove it is outdated
Don’t allow a Christian voice
Blame Christianity for all social problems.

The Answer:

Fire of God Luk_3:16 John answered them all by saying, I baptize you with water; but He Who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of Whose sandals I am not fit to unfasten. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Decision to stand for God no matter what. Are you fully persuaded? One example is brother Yun from China. 1Pe 4:14 If you are censured and suffer abuse [because you bear] the name of Christ, blessed [are you–happy, fortunate, to be envied, with life-joy, and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition], because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. [Isa. 11:2.]
Get educated:

1. Read the bible
2. Read apologetics
3. Read issues – 1Pe 3:15 But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. [Isa. 8:12, 13.]

4. Don’t fight secularism; fight the devil by loving people; serving people; praying for people. Jesus is the answer for the world.

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OTHERS – SHOW KINDNESS

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, OTHERS, Preaching messages, tagged christian, church, Craig Anderson, giving, Kindness, Leaders, Leaders standard, others, plenty valley church, RAK on November 11, 2012| Leave a Comment »

THE THEME THIS MONTH IS OTHERS

National others week (29 October – 4 November) was a COC initiative that was celebrated Australia wide. We are extending that theme for the whole month of November.

The goal is to show kindness to others, thereby demonstrating the kindness and the love of God.

Treat One Another with Kindness

Here’s some examples of kindness shown through our church and shared on our own facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/30066992358/

As National Others Month continues, looking for what I can do, my part this week was to mow my neighbours lawn. What can you do?
My effort to be kind today was to drive 2 hours to see a pastor that needed some encouragement. He and his family have been through some difficult times.
We gave a bunch of flowers to the staff at Degani’s Cafe as they are experiencing a sad time because one of their staff is very ill. (We will be following up on the staff member too)
I got a text from my cousin just then. Dante has improved miraculously overnight. No more spasms, MRI clear and just started walking again. So happy! Thank you to all who prayed!

Here are some stories on the National Others Week facebook page from around Australia: https://www.facebook.com/NationalOthersWeek?fref=ts

The fellas from the Year 7&8 Youth Life Group chipped in & bought supplies for the homeless / needy in the Toowoomba area
Loving ‘National Others Week’ One lady from Church has put together a beautiful basket of NutriMetics for prize draw tonight at venue 101 Cafe. Money dropped off at Venue 101 Cafe by 2 people to bless customers by paying for their coffee and cakes. Jesse and I have been having a wonderful time surprising random customers by saying ‘Someone has anonymously paid for your order.’ Another lady rode her bike 5km to bless someone by weeding their garden in 30c. Awesome 🙂 From Julie Kelly – Casey COC
Ladies in Bundaberg, giving out pot plants to their neighbours as part of National Others Week.
Charleville Christian Outreach Centre held a morning tea for the staff at the local hospital as an act of appreciation:- National Others Week.

If you need some ideas about what you can do to randomly bless people and show acts of kindness, then checkout this list of 50 suggestions you received at the door this morning. Also available here: http://alturl.com/ijgia

The Story of Paul

The story of Saul who became Paul is a remarkable story of Gods Kindness.

Act 9:1 MEANWHILE SAUL, still drawing his breath hard from threatening and murderous desire against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

Act 9:2 And requested of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus [authorizing him], so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way [of life as determined by faith in Jesus Christ], he might bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.

Act 9:3 Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him,

Act 9:4 And he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me [harassing, troubling, and molesting Me]?

Act 9:5 And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance].

Act 9:6 Trembling and astonished he asked, Lord, what do You desire me to do? The Lord said to him, But arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.

Act 9:7 The men who were accompanying him were unable to speak [for terror], hearing the voice but seeing no one.

Act 9:8 Then Saul got up from the ground, but though his eyes were opened, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

Act 9:9 And he was unable to see for three days, and he neither ate nor drank [anything].

Act 9:10 Now there was in Damascus a disciple named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he answered, Here am I, Lord.

Act 9:11 And the Lord said to him, Get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying [there].

Act 9:12 And he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias enter and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.

Act 9:13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard many people tell about this man, especially how much evil and what great suffering he has brought on Your saints at Jerusalem;

Act 9:14 Now he is here and has authority from the high priests to put in chains all who call upon Your name.

Act 9:15 But the Lord said to him, Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the descendants of Israel;

Act 9:16 For I will make clear to him how much he will be afflicted and must endure and suffer for My name’s sake.

Act 9:17 So Ananias left and went into the house. And he laid his hands on Saul and said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, Who appeared to you along the way by which you came here, has sent me that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Act 9:18 And instantly something like scales fell from [Saul’s] eyes, and he recovered his sight. Then he arose and was baptized,

Act 9:19 And after he took some food, he was strengthened. For several days [afterward] he remained with the disciples at Damascus.

Act 9:20 And immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, saying, He is the Son of God!

Act 9:21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, Is not this the very man who harassed and overthrew and destroyed in Jerusalem those who called upon this Name? And he has come here for the express purpose of arresting them and bringing them in chains before the chief priests.

Let’s look at the believer called Ananias who heard from God about showing kindness to someone who he believed was not deserving of the kindness and blessing of God.

How reluctant must Ananias have felt when God asked him to go and pray for the murderer Saul? He must have been fearful for his own life and also for the lives of so many others who could one day be the victims of this religious persecutor who destroyed the lives and families of Christians.

Saul/Paul was a persecutor of the church.

Act_22:4 [Yes] I harassed (troubled, molested, and persecuted) this Way [of the Lord] to the death, putting in chains and committing to prison both men and women,

Gal_1:13 You have heard of my earlier career and former manner of life in the Jewish religion (Judaism), how I persecuted and abused the church of God furiously and extensively, and [with fanatical zeal did my best] to make havoc of it and destroy it.

When is justice done? God’s mercy and loving kindness means that Jesus was the one to bear the penalty for all Paul’s sins. Paul would feel he deserved to be punished, but he accepted God’s mercy. 1Ti_1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

When we see perpetrators; people who act badly, immorally, illegally, we want to see them punished; but for ourselves we want mercy. Could you show kindness to a totally undeserving person?

1Th_5:15 See that none of you repays another with evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody.

When we feel aggrieved so we want justice, but when we are the perpetrator we call for mercy. Could you show mercy and give kindness to a person who you believed was totally undeserving of it?

What if in so doing you opened their understanding to God and they became a Christian and turned around their life?

Heb_13:16 Do not forget or neglect to do kindness and good, to be generous and distribute and contribute to the needy [of the church as embodiment and proof of fellowship], for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

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.]

Maybe your boss seems undeserving?

Maybe your grumpy neighbour seems really undeserving?

Perhaps your atheist uncle who always ridicules you at family functions seems totally undeserving?

Are you ready to shock them with an act of no strings attached kindness?

Saul/Paul was shocked by Jesus approach to him and Ananias was shocked by God’s request of him…. But look at the fruit of that kindness.

Let’s be kind to others; and let us know what happened.

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INSPIRING LIVES

Posted in Church, Culture Watch, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged Belief, christian, church, Craig Anderson, EVANGELISM, iNSPIRING lIVES, passion, passion for the lost, plenty valley church, sALVATION aRMEY, wILLIAM bOOTH on October 13, 2012| 1 Comment »

Message 14 October 2012 PM

People sometimes complain about various things in church.

Someone didn’t greet me, someone spoke against me, someone hurt my feelings.

Sometimes we may even face a little persecution as people scratch our car, or let the tyres down or scream abuse at us just for being a Christian. But compare this with real challenges faced by God’s warriors the early days of the Salvation Army.

GENERAL WILLIAM BOOTH

In 1865 Booth was in the East End of London, preaching to crowds of people in the streets.

Booth soon realised he had found his destiny, and later in 1865 he and his wife Catherine opened ‘The Christian Revival Society’ in the East End of London, where they held meetings every evening and on Sundays, to share the repentance that salvation can bring through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to the poorest and most needy, including alcoholics, criminals and prostitutes. The Christian Revival Society was later renamed The Christian Mission.

TOUGH CONVERTS

At one stage it was hard to find a new convert who hadn’t come out of jail, been a prostitute or a thief or a beggar before turning to Christ. Booth’s converts rarely ever backslid. In the first 16 years of the Salvation Army 250,000 came to Christ in England alone. Their war-cry was “Blood and Fire”

Slowly The Christian Mission began to grow but the work was difficult and Booth would “stumble home night after night haggard with fatigue, often his clothes were torn and bloody bandages swathed his head where a stone had struck”, wrote his wife. Evening meetings were held in an old warehouse where urchins threw stones and fireworks through the window. Outposts were eventually established and in time attracted converts, yet the results were discouraging. The Christian Mission was just one of about 500 charitable and religious groups trying to help the poor and needy in London’s East End.^[6]

Booth and his fellow brethren in Christ practised what they preached and performed self-sacrificing Christian and social work, such as opening “Food for the Million” shops (soup kitchens), not caring if they were scoffed at or derided for their work.

MY PARISH

Booth preached inside the pubs in the poverty stricken East End of London.

He was thrown out time and time again. One time after being thrown out of the pub with force and landing in the gutter he was pelted with rotten fruit and eggs.

He took off his hat and held to his chest and looking up to heaven he exclaimed, “Lord I have found my parish”

THE OPPOSITION WAS FIERCE

As troops marched down the street singing and playing their instruments, it was common for people to throw fruit vegetables and even dead cats at the joyful troopers.

In one season of the fiercest opposition Booth commanded his troops in one part of England to stop marching down the street as the rocks thrown by protesters caused great injury to the troopers. They marched all the same and joyfully bore the marks of their persecution.

When his daughter Evangeline was just 17 years old she went to Paris to preach the gospel with a few other young women. She would go into the pubs to preach but was thrown out over and over again. One night she tried again and they said to her if she did a jig on the bar they would let her preach, so jig she did and followed it up with a fiery sermon in French – her second language.

When Booth was starting the Salvation Army God gave him a vision.

Here is a reinactment of the vision God gave him….. http://youtu.be/xOf4Slt7S20

Soon Booth was sending Soldiers out all over the world. George Railton went to America in 1880.

Here is a part of their history on film… http://youtu.be/7coHc9SUcvY 1.40 mins to 5.39 mins

One day in later life General William Booth was walking home, he was tired and old and on passing the bridge near his home he noticed a beggar sleeping under the bridge. Upon reaching home he chastised his oldest son Bramwell Booth who was about 40 for not seeing the beggar earlier and bringing him home for a meal.

Booth had a cry, this is what he lived and this is what he spoke…

I’ll fight

http://youtu.be/j9e0AFcsMyI 1.00 min

When lives like this one inspire us to live for Christ. Don’t be a complainer with tiny little troubles. Don’t think that life is just to be lived for our pleasure, the lost are calling out for help. Don’t be afraid to stand up for Christ, Australians are longing to see real Christians. We serve the same God that William Booth served. He changed the world with passion and service, it’s time for us to do the same.

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IMPRINTS # 2

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged christian, Craig Anderson, generosity, George Muller, giving, money, orphans, plenty valley church, stewardship on October 13, 2012| 1 Comment »

– Sunday Morning message 14OCT12

AUDIO – http://pvc.podomatic.com/

OCTOBER is stewardship month. It’s where we plan to make a big difference in the lives of others. Next week we are holding our annual fundraising dinner – it’s called the Imprints Dinner. You’re invited. It’s free of charge and we will be inviting you to pledge an amount of money to create a lasting Imprint in the lives of others. These people are table captains and have tickets. Please se one of them for a ticket. I invite everyone in this church to donate something towards the vision of changed lives. I encourage everyone to participate in the yearly giving.

You might say…..

I have nothing to give – Let me tell you about Lois McGifford. Everyone can do something. You could give $5 a week?
I pledged last year and my finances fell apart and I didn’t complete my giving. This season of giving ends at 31 October. IF you haven’t completed your pledge by then it is cleared… we hit the reset button. All uncompleted pledges are forgiven. This time around, sow something; because you must have seed in the ground for God to bless. Pray over your seed. Believe that God will return to you all that you need for your family and plenty over for the donation.
All the church wants is your money. The truth is, all the church wants is changed lives. All Coles wants is your money, all Woolworths wants is your money. Think how many lives are ruined by the pokies, the races, drugs and booze – these are the things that take the money from peoples lives and create ruin and destruction. The church creates life and brings answers to people to help them.

Here’s where your money will go this coming year.

LOCAL

Facility Upgrade – So we can do more in this local church
Community Kitchen – free lunch and dinner – feeding people every week. Now food parcels are commencing.
Assault on Family Violence – this church is part of the answer to help the worst family violence region in Victoria – right here on our doorstep.

NATIONAL

Commencing an internship program in our bible college. Raising up the next generation of leaders to serve in the work of the church in ministries like Youth, Red Frogs, Children’s ministry etc etc. Internships will train leaders from all over Victoria

INTERNATIONAL

Destiny Rescue – saving little girls from a life of sexual exploitation. Now operating in 6 nations.

Here’s what your kind donations have achieved this year.

LOCAL

Community Kitchen – Provided over 5000 meals this year. The giving is not just the food but the love and acceptance of lonely and hurting people in our community.

NATIONAL

New Church Commenced – We planted the new church into south Yarra with AJ and Bronnie. At the present time there are approximately 50 members in the church and AJ and Bronnie are seeing people saved and lives changed.

INTERNATIONAL

Destiny Rescue – This calendar year alone 150 girls have been rescued out of Sexual slavery in Thailand and Cambodia through the work of Destiny Rescue.

THANK YOU – THANK YOU – THANK YOU to everyone who gave over the last 12 months.

Do you know the story of George Muller?

There’s a story about leaving an imprint on many lives.

You have the opportunity to leave your imprint on many lives.

George Müller http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_M%C3%BCller

27 September 1805 – 10 March 1898), was born in Germany and later came to England as a missionary.
His early life was not marked by righteousness – on the contrary, he was a thief, a liar and a gambler. By the age of 10, Müller was stealing government money from his father.^[4] While his mother was dying, he, at 14 years of age, was playing cards with friends and drinking.^[5][6] Later, a fellow student (Beta) who invited him to a Christian prayer meeting. There he was welcomed, and he began regularly reading the Bible and discussing Christianity with the others who attended the meetings. After seeing a man praying to God on his knees, he was convinced of his need for salvation. As soon as he got home he went to his bed where he knelt and prayed. He asked God to help him in his life and to bless him wherever he went and to forgive him of his sins. He immediately stopped drinking, stealing and lying, and began hoping to become a missionary. He was a Christian evangelist and Director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England, which cared for 10,024^[1] orphans in his life.^[2] He was well known for providing an education to the children under his care, to the point where he was accused of raising the poor above their natural station in life. He also established 117 schools which offered Christian education to over 120,000 children, many of them being orphans.

The work of Müller and his wife with orphans began in 1836 with the preparation of their own home at 6 Wilson Street, Bristol for the accommodation of thirty girls. Soon after, three more houses in Wilson Street were furnished, growing the total of children cared for to 130. In 1845, as growth continued, Müller decided that a separate building designed to house 300 children was necessary, and in 1849, at Ashley Down, Bristol, that home opened. The architect commissioned to draw up the plans asked if he might do so gratuitously.^[16] By 26 May 1870, 1,722 children were being accommodated in five homes, although there was room for 2,050 (No 1 House – 300, No 2 House – 400, Nos 3, 4 and 5 – 450 each). By the following year, there were 280 orphans in No 1 House, 356 in No 2, 450 in Nos 3 and 4, and 309 in No 5 House.^[17]

Through all this, Müller never made requests for financial support, nor did he go into debt, even though the five homes cost over £100,000 to build. Many times, he received unsolicited food donations only hours before they were needed to feed the children, further strengthening his faith in God. For example, on one well-documented occasion, they gave thanks for breakfast when all the children were sitting at the table, even though there was nothing to eat in the house. As they finished praying, the baker knocked on the door with sufficient fresh bread to feed everyone, and the milkman gave them plenty of fresh milk because his cart broke down in front of the orphanage.^[18]

Although he never asked any person (only God) for anything, Müller asked those who did support his work to give a name and address in order that a receipt might be given.

Müller prayed about everything and expected each prayer to be answered. One example was when one of the orphan house’s boiler stopped working; Müller needed to have it fixed. Now this was a problem, because the boiler was bricked up and the weather was worsening with each day. So he prayed for two things; firstly that the workers he had hired would have a mind to work throughout the night, and secondly that the weather would let up. On the Tuesday before the work was due to commence, a bitter north wind still blew but in the morning, before the workmen arrived, a southerly wind began to blow and it was so mild that no fires were needed to heat the buildings. That evening, the foreman of the contracted company attended the site to see how he might speed things along, and instructed the men to report back first thing in the morning to make an early resumption of work. The team leader stated that they would prefer to work through the night. The job was done in 30 hours.^[24]

By the end of February 1835, there were five Day-schools – two for boys and three for girls.^[11] Not receiving government support and only accepting unsolicited gifts, this organisation received and disbursed £1,381,171^[1] ( approximately $2,718,844 USD) – around £90 million in today’s terms^[12] – by the time of Müller’s death, primarily using the money for supporting the orphanages and distributing about 285,407 Bibles,^[1] 1,459,506 New Testaments,^[1] and 244,351 other religious texts,^[1] which were translated into twenty other languages.^[13] The money was also used to support other “faith missionaries” around the world, such as Hudson Taylor.^[14] The work continues to this day.^[15]

Let’s think about George Muller’s life.

There was gratefulness there for his salvation after coming to Christ from a miserable background. Are we truly thankful for what we have? Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
He immediately wanted to serve Christ from gratefulness – He travelled to England as a missionary. 1Th 1:4 It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. [MESS]
He sacrificially gave of what he had opening up his own home for orphans. 2Co 8:3 I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could–far more than they could afford!– 2Co 8:4 pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians. [MESS]
He had a deep trust that God would supply all that was needed. Php 4:19 You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. [MESS]
God did miracles every day. Mat 21:22 And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive. [AMP]

What would stop you leaving an imprint on many lives?

Selfishness?

When we want for ourselves and we fail to see the needs in others lives, then we may end our lives richer but morally there’s nothing in the bank.

God says Pro 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.

When you choose to be generous, you actually make room for God to bless you.

Tough times?

Isaac sowed in a time of famine and reaped 100 fold increase.

Gen 26:1 AND THERE was a famine in the land, other than the former famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines.

Gen 26:12 Then Isaac sowed seed in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favored him with blessings.

You can walk in faith. Choose to believe God that He will be your provider. Have faith in all that God has promised to you.

Failure to see the big picture?

Yes, what you do will make a huge difference. When we realize that we Australians are the richest people in the world don’t we have an obligation to do something for others?

http://finance.ninemsn.com.au/newsbusiness/motley/8546303/australians-are-the-richest-in-the-world

Failure to see the joy in giving.

If I could just take you right now to the orphanage in Thailand and see the faces of the girls you helped to save this year, you would cry and you would doing everything you could to make sure that you did more for these precious lives. You’ve gotta be there for the impact, that’s why at the dinner we do video ad pics of the impact of your giving.

www.destinyrescue.org

GOD SO LOVED HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON. NOW WE ARE HIS OFFSPRING.

LET’S CHANGE THE WORLD.

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IMPRINTS # 1

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged abundance, christian, church, Craig Anderson, discipleship, giving, money, plenty valley church, provision, stewardship on October 7, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Preaching 7 October 2012 AM

Across the sands of time walk the men and women of greatness, leaving behind them their imprints on changed lives.

You too can leave behind you the effects of your work and generosity in the form of changed lives.

Sir Fred Hollows

Sir Fred Hollows, left behind an imprint of thousands of lives changed through provision of sight. Fred Hollows, was an ophthalmologist who became known for his work in restoring eyesight for countless thousands of people in Australia and many other countries. It has been estimated that more than one million people in the world can see today because of initiatives instigated by Hollows, the most notable example being The Fred Hollows Foundation. When people give to the foundation – lives are changed.

Andy Gourley

Andy Gourley has taken Red Frogs as an organisation around the world. This Chaplaincy Organisation that began in Christian Outreach Centre reaches out to year 12 students at Schoolies week and then later at University O week activities. They are the chaplains that serve with love to protect the brightest and best youth of today, our future leaders from harm due to binge drinking and dangerous behaviour at schoolies week. With many young people becoming Christians at schoolies week and then also later at uni campuses Australia’s future will see the imprint of the work of Red Frogs in people who’s lives took a turn for the better because of Andy Gourley. When people give to Red Frogs – lives are changed. http://au.redfrogs.com/

Tony Kirwan

Tony and Jenni Kirwan who started Destiny Rescue in this local church, lead a massive team of people now operating in six nations, building over 30 orphanages and rescuing this year alone 150 young girls from brothels. Their work will leave an imprint in the lives of tens of thousands of young women whose destiny has been changed though vision and giving. When people give to Destiny Rescue – lives are changed. www.destinyrescue.org

Have you considered how your life can leave an imprint in the lives of others?

Can you see behind you the imprints left behind because of where you have been with generosity and service?

This church has embarked upon a mission to leave a vast imprint in the lives of Melburnians. Through our work with Primary School mentoring, High School outreach, Community Kitchen, Police Chaplaincy, and Family Violence reduction we intend to leave behind a significant imprint in the lives of many people in this city.

I am inviting you this month to be a part of that imprint into the lives of others.

National Others week

http://nationalothersweek.com/

In this local church the whole month of November will be an others focussed month, culminating in Hero Day where we celebrate people who have gone unrecognised in the community for their selfless work.

This month of October is our month when we focus on making a difference in the lives of others – leaving behind an Imprint!

Last year we raised $60,000 in pledges which has created huge impact in Destiny Rescue’s vision, the planting of a new local church into south Yarra with AJ and Bronnie Masefau and the increased impact of the Community Kitchen in this local area – in fact that was a local, national and international impact that was achieved through your giving.

This year your giving will be directed towards these three initiatives:

Raising the next generation of leaders – The establishing of the internships program in our bible college next year.
Destiny Rescue – Continuing our support
Facility upgrade – After nearly three years our church building needs upgrading internally to refresh and improve to meet our needs.

I want to invite you to our Fundraising Dinner to be held this year on Saturday night 20^th October here at church. This year our theme is Imprints. The dinner is free and at the dinner we will be asking you to pledge an amount towards the vision as I just outlined. For a ticket Please see one of these ten people:

Craig, John, Bob, Santo, Yas/Alex, Ken, Tas, Eric, Ed, Jess,

At our dinner we will be having a guest speaker Pastor John Morgan an Australian from Indiana in the USA and a guest singer Heidi Popp who has been here before.

Here’s how to make a huge difference with your life!

Let generosity become your foundation.

Jesus said: Luk 6:38 Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back–given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”[MESS]

Giving is inherent in God’s nature, and becomes part of our own nature too as we follow Jesus Christ.

But also Giving takes faith! Faith that God is your provider.

In the world economic environment right now, we have no end of doom and gloom stories about hard times ahead. China is reducing its use of your primary products like coal and iron ore. The European economic zone is a basket case with most counties experiencing national debt that exceeds their GDP. If you don’t have faith in God as your foundation and provision then there’s not much positive news for you.

But God has a word for you this morning: Isa 35:4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

And: Gen 15:1 AFTER THESE things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram, I am your Shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great.

God wants to show up for you, but it is accessed through faith.

You will never receive by worrying.

You will never receive by complaining.

You will never receive by comparing with others.

You will receive by trusting in God.

Last month we spoke about getting gout of the boat. The Christian life is all about getting out of the boat. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. – Heb 11:6 [ESV]

Living by faith is essential for true Christians. It is how we normally live. The Just shall live by faith (Rom 1:17) Everyday we practice our faith by prayer, ceasing to worry, sharing our faith, and trusting for His provision amongst other things.

Do you trust him for provision? Is God your provider or is your job? Your investments? Your government benefit? Your parents? Tell me, which of those is completely reliable?

The bible warns us not to trust uncertain riches. The only certain thing is God’s promise to you and to me.

Php 4:19 And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

This promise was given to the Philippians church who gave to Paul’s ministry.

Your faith is demonstrated in your regular faithful giving every week. If you gave only when you had plenty, no faith is required. If you gave only when you felt led by the spirit of God you may have trouble discerning between the voice of the Spirit and your own fears and concerns.

If you give as a matter of principle then your faith is activated and you will be a position to walk on water and grow in faith regularly. Let me tell you …. You want that, because that is the way to grow and achieve much greater things.

God sets a goal for all His people to demonstrate the principle of “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God” (Matt 6:33) It’s called Tithing.

Tithing is giving God the FIRST tenth of all your income.

“Honour the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income.” – Proverbs 3:9-10

This is how he puts it:

Mal 3:10 Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. [Mal. 2:2.]

When we bring in the tithe or the first tenth of our income – that is a tenth of all the increase we have received this week we are acknowledging that God is the source of all our needs. Giving a tenth means that you realize you didn’t do this all by yourself, God has blessed you and is constantly providing for you.

It also comes with a promise that God will pour out the blessing upon you.

For some people, this step is not seen as a faith step, one of learning to trust God, but as an imposition. Some may say that this is only an Old Testament law and so is not applicable today. To those we must ask, then what is applicable today. To give less? Surely not? We now serve under a better covenant, now we are commanded to recognise that God owns all things and we are but stewards or managers of all that we possess.

Tithing is the base level of Giving and God wants to supply enough for you to bring the tithe into the storehouse – His church and also have enough to give to every charitable need.

2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace (every favour 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]. [AMP]

If you wish to make an imprint in the lives of others then begin by being a tither into your local church. Chris and I have done this continually ever since we became Christians. Every year we give away between 10% and 20 % of our total income

What is the tithe for?

In the Old Testament the tithe was for the inheritance of the priestly tribe of Levi. (In other words the people called to do ministry) They did not inherit any land in the promised land. God said He was their inheritance but He commanded the whole nation of Israel to tithe and this would maintain the income and provision for he tribe of Levi so they could focus on the House of God.

Num 18:23 But the Levites shall do the [menial] service of the Tent of Meeting, and they shall bear and remove the iniquity of the people [that is, be answerable for the legal pollutions of the holy things and offer the necessary atonements for unintentional offenses in these matters]. It shall be a statute forever in all your generations, that among the Israelites the Levites have no inheritance [of land].

Num 18:24 But the tithes of the Israelites, which they present as an offering to the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit; therefore I have said to them, Among the Israelites they shall have no inheritance. [They have homes and cities and pasturage to use but not to possess as their personal inheritance.] (AMP)

In the New Testament God says we give to support the ministry in the body of Christ

1Co 9:13 Do you not know that those men who are employed in the services of the temple get their food from the temple? And that those who tend the altar share with the altar [in the offerings brought]? [Deut. 18:1.]

1Co 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel. (AMP)

Of Tithing in His day Jesus said “These things ought to be done” – Matt 23:23

In our local church an anonymous survey reveals that about 64% of the members practice tithing. This is high in comparison to many churches. Our desire in bringing to you an inspiration to tithe is simply because that is what God has commanded.

Furthermore, it is for your blessing which we long to see; and lastly it is essential for the vision of the local church to prosper that we may complete all that God has given us to do.

Will you be a tither? Continue in this good work if you have already begun. Start this walk of faith if you haven’t done so yet. By doing this you can prove God as Malachi 3:10 says.

This month is about leaving an imprint on this world by our generosity and service.

It begins with Tithing and follows on with giving to Kingdom Advance which will take place at our Imprints Dinner on Saturday night October 20^th.

Please consider becoming or continuing as a tither so that we can all together make a significant imprint on the lives of others. Also please pray and ask God what you can pledge to this vision over and above your tithe.

Pray for the spirit of faith.

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WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT? # 4

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged Belief, christian, church, Craig Anderson, discipleship, faith, Give, overcome, plenty valley church on September 23, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Message Sunday 23^rd 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

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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