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INSPIRING LIVES

Posted in Church, Culture Watch, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , , , , , 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 , , , , , , , , 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…..

  1. I have nothing to give – Let me tell you about Lois McGifford. Everyone can do something. You could give $5 a week?
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

  1. 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].
  2. 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]
  3. 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]
  4. 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]
  5. 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 , , , , , , , , , 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:

  1. Raising the next generation of leaders – The establishing of the internships program in our bible college next year.
  2. Destiny Rescue – Continuing our support
  3. 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 20th 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 20th.

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 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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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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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.

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GOING FOR GOLD 2

Posted in Church, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 19, 2012| Leave a Comment »

If you’re going to go for Gold, then you better be prepared for some fails along the way. 

Here’s some of the painful moments in the London Games…

Bloopers – http://youtu.be/eHQSPjdfpmw

And now for a story of inspiration.

Matthias Steiner (born 1982 in Vienna) is an Austrian–German weightlifter, and Olympic gold medalist. Earl in life since an untreated infection[2] Steiner suffers from diabetes, diagnosed at his 18th birthday.[3] Before the diagnosis, the first symptom was an intense thirst, then he lost appetite, and 5 kilograms (11 lb) body weight within three months.[3] He went to the doctor when his sight deteriorated.[3]  Despite the diagnosis he followed his dream to become a weightlifter.

On July 16, 2007 his wife Susann died in a car accident.[8][9] Despite the tragic loss, and after losing 7 kilograms (15 lb)[6] body weight, he was able to continue his training.

He received German citizenship in early 2008, won overall silver at the 2008 European Championships, and the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Here is the story of his gold medal performance

VIDEO LINK http://youtu.be/xLN4OHxfbGQ

What a story of passion to triumph!

He won gold and broke his personal best.

German Olympic weightlifter Matthias Steiner promised his wife that one day he would win a gold medal in the Olympics. Just a year before the competition of 2008 Olympics, his wife tragically died in a car accident. In order to break the record, he needed to beat his personal record by 10 kg. This is the video of his attempt at the gold medal.

When he had lifted his final lift to win the gold he broke down and wept profusely… he was winning it for his wife. He told her on her death bed “I will win gold for you”

How huge was his motivation?

The medal ceremony was VERY moving! He wept so much holding a photo of his wife all the time.

What motivates you?

Winning a gold medal is a great motivation, but this man had an even bigger motivation – LOVE

He was motivated by doing it for another.

Often what separates gold medal winners from the rest of the pack is not the talent or ability; but the shear courage and will to win. Passion is a strong force that propels you towards your dream.

A famous Australian competitor Gillian Rolton is Australia’s first female equestrian gold-medallist. A schoolteacher from Adelaide, Gillian Rolton was a Show and Dressage rider from the age of ten until her early twenties. In 1992 she was a late inclusion the Australian equestrian team competing at the Barcelona Olympic Games after she beat all male members of the team in the final selection trial at Savernake, England. Competing alongside Matt Ryan and Andrew Hoy, Rolton rode an excellent round on Peppermint Grove on the final day of competition, and became the first Australian female equestrian to win a gold medal.

Rolton achieved even greater notoriety after the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. Thrown twice from Peppermint Grove in the cross-country section, Rolton remounted and finished the course despite a broken collar-bone and two broken ribs. The Australian team, comprised of Andrew Hoy, Wendy Schaeffer, Phillip Dutton and Rolton, won gold.

You would have to ask the question – how much do you want it?

What is the passion that rules your life?

Some people live passionless lives because they have not been shown a cause that has lifted them to strive for more.

Some people have begun in passion but have run out of gas along the way due to pain or disappointment.

What is the cause that you are passionate about?

My brother in law Tony Kirwan is passionate about rescuing young girls from sexual exploitation. His organisation Destiny Rescue rescues young girls from brothels. Its dangerous and difficult work, but he has a huge passion to rescue girls because as he says, “What would you do if your daughter was imprisoned against her will in one of these brothels.”

Passion for others is a powerful motivation and strength giver when you are on your quest for gold or for any great achievement

Jesus was motivated to do it for you.

For the joy that was set before Him He endured the cross

Heb 12:2  Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [Ps. 110:1.]

Is there not a cause?

King David, while stil, ayoung man saw goliath threatening Israel and wanted to see him defeated. But his older brother was cynical and negative about this young passion carrier…

1Sa 17:28  And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why did you come down here? and with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride, and the naughtiness of your heart; for you have come down that you might see the battle.

1Sa 17:29  And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? (NKJV)

Isn’t there something that motivates us to live a bigger life?

To overcome every difficulty, to press on when we would rather give up, to try again when it all seems too hopeless?

Yes its for others. It’s for people who don’t know Jesus yet.

The Cause…… Australia For Christ

Jesus was motivated by love for others. He died on the cross for you.

His passion was enormous and carried Him through the most unbelievable agony of suffering just so you and I could find forgiveness and pardon for our sins.

Give your life to Christ and Go for Gold, find a cause worth giving your life for.

Mine is Australia For Christ.

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