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Posts Tagged ‘Craig Anderson’

The Answer

Posted in Church, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 2, 2012| 3 Comments »

The Answeranswer

Jesus is the only answer for your life

What are you searching for? What do you want from life? Are you sometimes wondering why life has brought you hardship and frustration? Did your life journey so far bring you to the real place of satisfaction that you longed for? Perhaps you’re feeling the pain of broken relationships. Has someone you love really let you down; and the pain of it still feels like a knife in your heart.

Families all over are hurting and broken, many have experienced marriage breakdown, love disappeared and sadness and pain took its place. So many kids grew up without a full-time dad, or seeing parents fight and argue.

For others; how you wish you had your health back, or maybe that slim figure that left you many years ago. One young woman I have talked to in the Police environment has struggled to recover from a stroke at the age of 35. It meant two years off work and now back in the job things are not the same. The memory and the emotional reactions to events is not the same. How frustrating it must be not to feel whole and healthy like she once was and with such a long life ahead potentially.

Let me share with you a story of someone who was searching for something and Jesus came along and gave her the very thing she longed for in her heart.

The story – John 4:1-42

Jesus encounters a woman at a well in Samaria.

At this encounter Jesus talks with this woman and gives her acceptance and an answer.

READ John 4:4-9

This is why I’m telling this story today, so that you can see the real Jesus reaches out to anyone and everyone. The way Jesus acceptance and love to provide a life giving answer for this woman shows just how Jesus operates.

He can make a difference in your life here today.

The thing that everyone seeks is real life, a thirst for freedom, joy, peace, strength, and to be loved and accepted.  We seek for it in money, in relationships, in positions of power, in drugs and alcohol, in the worship of many kinds. Yet for most there is a thirst that can never be quenched. For many there is never a place; to which having arrived we say; I am home, I have found what I searched for all my life, my search is over; I am saved.

Is there a thirst inside you today for something more in life than what you currently experience? Can’t put your finger on it? Does it just seem to you that life is supposed to be more than what you have, that there’s something that would all of a sudden lift you up and out into a new place of real fulfilment?

This woman was searching, she was thirsty, her life was a series of failures and sadness. When she grew up I doubt she planned to be married five times and then be with someone she wasn’t married to. Yet this thirst, created by disappointments and pain, was covered over by religious questions and resentments for how she was treated.

Deep down she longed for a kind of fulfilment that was a long way out of her reach. Enter Jesus, who offers living water, what is this living water? It takes a little while before she catches on what this really means.

Only through Jesus is this true life possible.

Joh 10:10  The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Joh 14:6  Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

Jesus gives Living Water. He is the only answer to that thirst you feel deep inside for life and for acceptance and for hope. Life deals out some troubles and pain for so many lives. What pain and disappointments have you faced? It’s not just success that drives some people, there’s that desire for life – some kind of peace and joy that seems illusive.

In this story the Jews hated the Samaritans

From many causes arose an irreconcilable difference between them, so that the Jews regarded them as the worst of the human race Joh_8:48, and had no dealings with them, Joh_4:9.

Our Saviour, however, preached the gospel to them afterward John 4:6-26, and the apostles imitated his example, Acts_8:25. The gospel was, however, first preached to the Jews.

Nearly everyone is thirsty for this living water, but many push it away because of religious prejudices and resentments against churches, Christians and even God who they feel have been part of the problem. But today I want you to know Jesus is the only answer to your thirst.

The soul by nature is like such a desert, or like a traveller wandering through such a desert. It is thirsting for happiness, and seeking it everywhere, and he finds it not. He looks in all directions and tries all objects, but in vain. Nothing meets his desires. Though people seek for joy in wealth and pleasures, yet they are not satisfied. They still thirst for more, and seek still for happiness in some new enjoyment. To such a weary and unsatisfied soul the grace of Jesus Christ is “as cold waters to a thirsty soul.”

This woman eventually perceives that Jesus is a prophet; that is He knows stuff that no one else could know.  She jumps at her chance to clear up ticklish religious questions that have long bothered her community. She asks about worship – its a heart issue, its about the inner life, the inner world where we encounter God personally, not just as an observer. Worship will soon be not limited to one place but when the veil of the temple was torn in two the presence of God became available to all men everywhere.

Jesus was tired because of His journey, yet was still able to put others first. He cares about you today.  He asked her for a drink – to find out what’s in her heart. She was puzzled , “Why are you talking to me?”

Jesus demonstrated His love and total lack of prejudice by talking to and giving the good news to this woman from Samaria. The reasons why some people would have thought Jesus should not even acknowledge the woman of Samaria are:

  1. She was a woman – Jewish Rabbi’s are not allowed to converse with a woman.
  2. She was a Samaritan – The nations of the Jews and the Samaritans held a long and bitter feud so that no self respecting Jew would give the time of day to any Samaritan. The Jews who hated Jesus abused Him by calling him a Samaritan in John 8:48
  3. She was a sinner – This woman had previously had 5 husbands and was now living defacto – This was totally forbidden in Jewish law – punishable by death.

Jesus offers her Living Water, at first she doesn’t catch on, so Jesus says,  “Go call your husband” – just to see what’s in her heart. At this point she is amazingly open, truthful Then the bombshell – He knows everything about her. She is amazed, “OK you’re a prophet” – so now I want all my questions answered. But answering them is not what she really wanted… It’s this living water she needs.

God is seeking true worshippers. Real intimacy, real relationship, that’s where the truth lies, that’s where the living water is.

She asks, “I know the Messiah is coming and He will tell us all things. Then Jesus drops the next  Bombshell – I am He.

Just then disciples come back – it’s an inconvenient time… she’s at the point of revelation. Off she goes to tell the whole town – she’s convinced. The whole town hears – many believe just on her word. Jesus speaks of the harvest; people matter to God. The fruit of the crop is eternal life; for you God’s plan is your eternal life. Only one thing matters to God – people – you. Giving you living water. This is what you’re made for.

It doesn’t matter that she was messed up, it doesn’t matter that she was from a despised race, a marginalised minority, it didn’t matter that she was living in an unacceptable relationship according to Jewish law; Jesus accepted her and gave her living water. No matter what your life is about, no matter how messed up your past is, no matter how many times you have failed, Jesus loves you deeply, profoundly, endlessly. There is living water for you here today. Jesus is your answer. It’s not knowing some religious story, it’s meeting Jesus.

Lots of Samaritans believed through the woman’s word. They came out to see Jesus. When Jesus rolls up some people ask Him to go and some people ask Him to stay.

These ones asked Him to stay – will you? Many more believed, through Jesus word.

Jesus demonstrated complete acceptance of a race of people hated and despised by Jesus’ own race.

There’s no prejudice in Jesus. There’s only love acceptance and hope. Your search is over when you surrender your life to Jesus. It doesn’t happen when you find out who Jesus is – it happens when you realise He is the only  answer for you, and you’re willing to let go of every other counterfeit answer, every prop you’ve leaned on to fill the gap that never gave you what you truly needed and wanted  – living water.

Will you come to Jesus today, will you drink deep of His living water? Will you let Him accept you as you are right now and you accept Him as He is right now?

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WHITE RIBBON SUNDAY

Posted in Church, Culture Watch, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 24, 2012| Leave a Comment »

WHITE RIBBON SUNDAY

Watch this clip – http://youtu.be/_ghqblX8kxM  (Warning: This clip contains disturbing scenes)

What is the White Ribbon Foundation?

http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/

This is a world wide organisation to work for prevention of violence against women.

Plenty Valley Church’s stand against Family Violence.

Culture Changers – Christians in a sick society

Our calling is to change the culture we live in – to be salt and light (Matt 5:13-16); to influence for righteousness. An example of this was Daniel.

The story of Daniel was how he brought change to Babylon and King Darius

Daniel 6:25-28

In the modern day we have examples like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. These were Christians who stood for righteousness and worked to change the prevailing culture of their own society.

The effectiveness of their stand varies, but the fact that they stood up for righteousness against the ungodliness of their surroundings is a result of their Christianity being outworked.

Christians have stood for change, for righteousness in many different arenas. Often it is a tiny voice against an ocean of unrighteousness. Their results can be:

  1. A standard marker to set direction for righteousness for the generation (Mother Theresa)
  2. The movement creator who led massive change (Nelson Mandela)
  3. A Martyr who’s presence and unjust death galvanised the forces for good into action. (Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr.)

We are called to be salt and light, to be culture changers.

In our local area family violence is a major force. It is the enemy.

Stats and figures are showing an increase 288% in 10 years.

More stats see – http://tinyurl.com/8jzzu53

Explain Family Violence:

It often begins with Violence against women, and includes abuse of children.

Violence against women is understood to occur on a continuum from psychological, economic and emotional abuse through to physical and sexual violence.

It refers to ‘any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life’.   (United Nations 1993)

Forms of violence against women

• Physical: hitting, slapping, choking, stabbing, murder, murder-suicide…

• Sexual: rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual abuse…

• Emotional and verbal: put-downs, insults, deliberately undermining confidence, humiliating, degrading, threats of violence or punishment, manipulation…

• Social: controlling and isolating, smothering, abusing in public

• Economic: controlling/denying money…

• Spiritual: eroding a women’s cultural or religious beliefs…

Family Violence also includes bullying and harassment

Violence against children includes most of these forms of abuse as well as witnessing the abuse of their mothers.

How we are going to fight it?

  1. Prayer
  2. Self-awareness in the church
    1. be different
    2. be salt and light
  3. Network with other groups and work together
  4. Offer resources to assist families
    1. Marriage counselling and enrichment.
    2. Budget counselling
    3. Assisting Teens issues
    4. Men’s groups
  5. Pull together community leaders to create cultural change.

Violence in the home is wrong. Violence is out of place in the world except as self defence. The home is for love, acceptance and nurture.

Usually it is men behaving badly. Why do men commit violence?

It is learned culture.

–         Violence begins at a young age with video games, cartoons, television and movies.

–         This leads to bullying at primary school which leads to bullying at high school

–         Leads to family violence when adulthood is reached.

When men feel impotent and powerless they act out. They choose violence to affirm their manhood. This is in part caused by:

–         No affirming fathers

–         No celebration on the sporting field, as more and more young boys turn from active sport to sedentary digital screens for recreation.

–         No healthy initiation into manhood.

ANSWER – EQUALITY

The foundation of the home is love and respect. While the bible clearly teaches that the man should be the leader in the home, this role is to nurture, protect and provide.

God calls men and women to equality.

Gal 3:28  In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. (MESS)

Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, (AMP)

In the workplace, street, school or uni God calls us to honour love and respect one another regardless of gender, race or age.

Rom 12:10  Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honour to one another. (AMP)

THERE IS NO PLACE FOR VIOLENCE IN OUR HOMES OR IN SOCIETY.

The only righteous place for violence is self defence. In law this must be demonstrated at a lesser level than the attacker’s violence.

Rom 12:16  Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. [Prov. 3:7.]

Rom 12:17  Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone. [Prov. 20:22.]

Rom 12:18  If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Rom 12:19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. [Deut. 32:35.]

Rom 12:20  But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. [Prov. 25:21, 22.]

Rom 12:21  Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good. (AMP)

When we witness violence we must

  1. Protect the vulnerable
  2. Speak up
  3. Call for help

MEN ARE OFTEN THE PERPETRATORS, MEN MUST LEAD THE WAY IN CULTURAL CHANGE.

ACTION PLAN

  1. Pray against the spirit of violence.
  2. Eliminate Family Violence in our homes
  3. Men –  take a stand – take the pledge – speak up
  4. Take every opportunity to be salt and light in your workplace, Street, school, uni.

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Australia in 20 years

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , , 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…

  1. Pastors charged with a crime for not marrying same sex couples.
  2. Schools forced to teach unbiblical views about sexuality as another option and normal
  3. ChristianSchools forced to provide condoms to students.
  4. Outlawing of the teaching of creation.
  5. Doctors in Victoria who refuse to perform an abortion when requested by a woman are charged with a crime.
  6. The over-sexualisation of the culture
  7. Legalisation of drugs.
  8. 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:

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

The Answer:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.]
  3. 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 , , , , , , , , , 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/

  1. 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?
  2. 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.
  3. 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)
  4. 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

  1. The fellas from the Year 7&8 Youth Life Group chipped in & bought supplies for the homeless / needy in the Toowoomba area
  2. 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
  3. Ladies in Bundaberg, giving out pot plants to their neighbours as part of National Others Week.
  4. 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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IMPRINTS # 4

Posted in Church, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , , , , on October 28, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Image

IMPRINTS # 4   Sunday 28th October 2012

I have promised – Now what?

The results of the fund raising dinner and pledge giving last week are:

As a local church we have raised $65,000 for the vision we shared last week.

Thanks for your generosity!

You can still give or pledge today and be part of the whole team who are giving.

Now that you have planned to give towards a Kingdom Project what is the next step?

Sow a seed to kick start your flow.

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].

God says He gives to you the seed and the bread. He gives you seed for sowing.

As any farmer knows, seed in the barn is not producing anything, it’s only seed in the ground that is multiplying.

It is so very important hat you begin your pledge giving by putting some of it into the ground of Kingdom purpose right away. Every year some people think, “When I get some spare money I will put a chunk of it into the Kingdom Advance giving.” But as the year goes by that just never seems to happen, and when the end of the year comes there’s no opportunity to complete the giving pledge.

Ecc 11:4  If you wait until the wind and the weather are just right, you will never plant anything and never harvest anything. (GNB)

If your seed is in the ground, something is working, you can’t see it yet, but something is happening.

Mar 4:26  And He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground,

Mar 4:27  And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and increases–he knows not how.

Mar 4:28  The earth produces [acting] by itself–first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

Mar 4:29  But when the grain is ripe and permits, immediately he sends forth [the reapers] and puts in the sickle, because the harvest stands ready.

Something’s going on in that soil, the seed is at work, it’s a law of nature, but you must be patient.

Pray over your seed

Just like the seed growing in the ground needs rain, so your seed needs to be watered with faith. Your expectation of the blessing of God is going to nourish and tend the miracle growing in the ground. If you are thinking all the time, “It’s hard times, I never have enough, I wish I didn’t give that money.” Then you will be making room for crop failure. God has promised to multiply your seed, so imagine it and see the vision fulfilled.

Mat 9:28  When He reached the house and went in, the blind men came to Him, and Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to Him, Yes, Lord.

Mat 9:29  Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith and trust and reliance [on the power invested in Me] be it done to you;

Rejoice that you have given to God

We rejoice in the opportunity to give to God. It is our love for God even more than our passion for the vision that inspired us to give. We are so happy that our gifts make a big difference to the lives of others, but it is our hearts to desire to show our love and appreciation to God for all that He has done for us, and so we give above and beyond.

2Co 9:7  Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving]. [Prov. 22:9.](AMP)

2Co 9:13  This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. (MESS)

Expect an Abundant blessing

2Co 9:7  Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving]. [Prov. 22:9.]

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].

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

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 favoured him with blessings.

In this season of the Australian economy where the future seems uncertain, you have decided to be generous. Your faith makes room for God to sustain and bless you through what ever comes your way.

We have an attitude that by faith we war a good warfare over our seed. WE are strong in faith believing that the promise of God is for His people to experience abundance. This promise is received by faith like every other promise. At times there are obstacles and challenges to faith, but we hold fast the confidence of our faith steadfast till the end.

Asking God for His provision is making a demand upon His ability.

Mar 11:24  For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]. (AMP)

Just look with me for a moment at the word “ask” and what it really means in this verse….

The word “Ask” in the original Greek language G154 αἰτέω   aiteō   ahee-teh’-o

Of uncertain derivation; to ask (in generally): – ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require. Compare G4441. (That is looking at other times words are translated as “ask” in English)

 G4441- to question, that is, ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from

G2065, which properly means a request as a favour; and from

G154, which is strictly a demand of something due; as well as from (That’s the one from this verse)

G2212, which implies a search for something hidden; and from

G1189, which involves the idea of urgent need); by implication to learn (by casual intelligence): – ask, demand, enquire, understand.

Thus in this verse Jesus is saying make a demand of something due. To ask here implies great desire, even craving, as well as making a demand for something.

This is not “If it be thy will, Lord” kind of prayers. This is storming the gates of heaven type prayers and “not taking no for an answer” type prayers.

We are in for a season of financial strength and great blessing. Let’s rejoice in the Lord for His goodness.

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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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