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Posts Tagged ‘discipleship’

WHO AM I?

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

Who am I?

When did I begin?

Where did I come from?

Is my life more than matter?

How can I know anything with certainty?

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

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

GOD IS ETERNAL.

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

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

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

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

HE CREATED ALL THINGS

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

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

HE DESIGNED YOU

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

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

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

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

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

WHEN DID I BEGIN?

At the moment of conception.

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

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

HE KNEW YOU BEFORE YOU WERE BORN

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

YOU WERE CALLED AND CHOSEN BEFORE TIME

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

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

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

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

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WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT # 2

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

Isn’t it time to obey God?

The Story…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s vital to hear the voice of God

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

When will you obey Him?

Mary and Martha

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What has He called you to do?

MY STORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gideon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obedience has a cost.

The disciples

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

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

MY STORY

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

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

Fear will stop you obeying God.

Peter

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

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

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

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

Fear will target your insecurity.

If I obey God how will I provide for myself?

Wrong – God is your provision.

Fear will target what others think.

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

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

Ultimately, eternity will tell the story of your obedience.

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

What decisions will really impact eternity?

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

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

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

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

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

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ARE YOU A SALMON CHRISTIAN?

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

I am going to swim upstream all my life!

Jesus said,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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THE CHUCK NORRIS SERIES

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

FATHERS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD.

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

(Some special Chuck Norris jokes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Death once had a near-Chuck Norris experience

Chuck Norris counted to infinity – twice.

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

Only Chuck Norris can dislike on Facebook

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

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

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

Dad, never underestimate your power to change the world.

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

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

The Bible says:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dads

1. Be an example:

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Pray for your wife and Kids

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

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

3. Talk about life with them

Tell your kids what will happen as they get older.

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

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

Girls – Your advice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE BOAT? # 1

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

A FATHERS DAY MESSAGE

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

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

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

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

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

EXAMPLE – MY ROLE AS A POLICE CHAPLAIN

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

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

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

STORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The other disciples just sat back frozen with fear.

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

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

Thomas …. Not a peep!

ONLY ONE MAN STOOD UP AND ASKED FOR AN INVITATION.

When do men think about needing help?

When they are playing footy

When they are pouring concrete

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

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

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

What about when they are struggling with their marriage?

What about when they are struggling with sin?

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

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

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

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

EXAMPLE

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

EXAMPLE

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT HELD THEM BACK? – FEAR.

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

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

VIDEO

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

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

Preview of tonight

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

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

Never underestimate your power dad to change the world.

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

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URBAN CONNECT GROUP LEADERS TRAINING LESSON No. 4

Posted in Church, Equip the Saints, Leaders Training, tagged , , , , , , on August 22, 2012| Leave a Comment »

WEEK 4

Summary

What happens in an Urban Connect Group meeting?

How to run a meeting. Learning in the classroom and on the job.

The goal of every Urban Connection is – Discipleship – lives are being changed

BRAINSTORM

Q. Each Trainee leader will write down on your notepad what you believe discipleship means. What does it look like?

  • A disciple is a learner, a student, an apprentice.
  • Helping people to steadily learn from Jesus how to live the life of the Kingdom.
  • Reaching out to lost people and showing them what Jesus has done for them.
  • Teach people how to live as Christ lived and taught.
  • Show people how to be with Jesus in an attitude of observation, study, obedience and imitation.
  • Doing the journey with someone as they become like Jesus.
  • Learning how to love enemies, bless those that persecute, go the second mile etc, living out the gracious inward transformations of faith hope and love.

Q. Now what does that look like in the environment of an Urban Connect Group in this local church?

  • The Core leader gets to know the sheep in his group.
  • The Core leader asks the members great questions of his disciples about what they are learning.
  • The Core leader builds an environment of support for all.
  • The Core leader shares with the learners how he/she overcame certain difficulties.
  • The Core leader points the sheep to Jesus always.
  • The Core leader leads his sheep to the word of God and helps them express hwat they get out of it.
  • The Core leader leads the team in reaching lost people.

Mat 10:24  The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

Mat 10:25  It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

Q. What does the Core leader do between meetings?

  •  The Core leader prays for his sheep regularly.
  • The Core leader contacts everyone who was away from the UC meeting.
  • The Core leader thinks strategically about what each member needs to keep growing. Eg. Water baptism, Holy Spirit baptism, DNA, counselling, extra care etc
  • The Core leader refuels themself every week to be on fire for God and possessed by the vision.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE URBAN CONNECT MEETING

How to run your group on the night

  1. Warmly welcome each person
  2. Offer tea, coffee and biscuits or similar
  3. Ask each person to share either
  • Answers to prayer
  • About when they shared their faith with someone
  • A prayer need
  1. Discipleship growth – Remind the group of which passage/chapter that the group was asked to read since the last meeting. Encourage each member to share what is God saying to them through this passage and what will they do about it.
  2. Affirm each person who shares and ensure that members don’t hog the time preventing others from sharing.
  • There are no wrong answers let people express their thoughts, peer discipling means you don’t have to correct every doctrinal point, people will learn from one another.
  • Keep the focus on hearing God’s voice.
  1. Pray for each persons needs and PRAY FOR YOUR LOST FRIENDS YOU ARE REACHING OUT TO. – Use a harvest list.

URBAN CONNECT GROUP LEADERS ROLE

  1. You are a shepherding leader. Your role is to care for 10 placed under your care.
  2. Keep your focus on building relationships. Member with God, member to member and member to unsaved friends.
  3. Your main aim is to assist each person to grow in their walk with God.
  • Are they saved?
  • Next step be baptised in water
  • Then filled with the Holy Spirit – speaking in tongues is encouraged as the only clear evidence that one has received.
  • Invite them to participate in the DNA class to join the church, discover their gifts, and find a serving role.
  1. Community – when people are hurting the group must gather around them and assist in any way possible – phone calls, prayer, visitation, meals, work,
  2. Be a builder – call up each member that missed your Discipleship group meeting and see how they are going. You need to do this every time you meet to grow your UC.
  3. Plan an event at least quarterly to invite the unsaved friends you are praying for.

UC Leaders JD

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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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Why do some Christians commit adultery?

Posted in Church, Culture Watch, Preaching messages, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on August 18, 2012| 20 Comments »

We live in a fallen world.

We live in a world where values of integrity and fidelity have moved significantly over the last 100 years.

Adultery has always been a factor in every era, but now in this day in which we live it is sold as exciting and adventurous; being openly displayed on almost every TV program, movie and magazine. It has become far more acceptable now then ever before.

MOVIE CLIP – AN AD FOR THE “GOOD WIFE”

http://youtu.be/M5wbUmhf3ro

The hurt caused by betrayal is seldom given the prominence that a salacious affair is given.

The Effect of the media.

The media glamorises adultery.

Catholic news service  http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=28831

LOS ANGELES (LifeSiteNews) – The Parents Television Council released a new study, Happily Never After: How Hollywood Favors Adultery and Promiscuity Over Marital Intimacy on Prime Time Broadcast Television, which revealed that broadcast networks depict sex in the context of marriage as either non-existent or burdensome, while showing positive depictions of extra-marital or adulterous sexual relationships with alarming frequency.
Across the broadcast networks, the new PTC report found that verbal references to non-marital sex outnumbered references to sex in the context of marriage by nearly 3 to 1, and scenes depicting or implying sex between non-married partners outnumbered similar scenes between married couples by a ratio of nearly 4 to 1.

Durex’s Global Sex Survey has found that worldwide 22% of people surveyed have had extramarital sex. Some countries the prevalence was as high as 58%

United States

Alfred Kinsey found in his studies that 50% of males and 26% of females had extramarital sex at least once during their lifetime.[20] Depending on studies, it was estimated that 26–50% of men and 21–38% women,[21]

In Australia http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Cheating-hearts/2004/12/22/1103391840011.html?oneclick=true

Depending on which study you believe, between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of people in long-term relationships have been unfaithful, and, according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, infidelity is cited as the main provocation in 20 per cent of divorce cases.

In the 2005 Global sex survey taken by the condom company Durex; Australia rated second highest nation on earth for the number of sexual partners respondents had. An average of 13.3.

http://wayback.archive.org/web/jsp/Interstitial.jsp?seconds=5&date=1203149228000&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.durex.com%2Fcm%2Fgss2005result.pdf&target=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.archive.org%2Fweb%2F20080216080708%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.durex.com%2Fcm%2Fgss2005result.pdf

There is now a website that facilitates adultery; It is a website for people who want a fling. AshleyMadison.com their slogan is Life is short – Have an affair.

Christians commit adultery too. In spite of the bible saying

1Co_6:9  Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality,

1Co 6:10  Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. (AMP)

Yet many Christians fall into this trap.

Most likely your marriage is fine. This message may seem irrelevant to you, but consider who else you can help who may be struggling in this area. More to the point; be on your guard, for we are all subject to temptation and we need Godly advice to protect us from errors.

Why do some Christians fall into this trap?

1. The culture of the age

The culture of the age is drowning in moral relativism. That is: if it feels good – Do it! The trend is to question all kinds of restraint. Who says pre-marital sex is wrong? The result: the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases sky rockets. Who says adultery is wrong? Result: the divorce rate is the highest ever, throwing massive costs on to the economy through a multitude of ramifications.

As people move away form God, righteousness and fidelity, they look more and more like the nation of Israel who suffered the consequences of disobedience to God. If you don’t believe in God or don’t care about righteousness then none of this makes sense to you and Christians are just prudes and kill joys, hypocrites who try to tell others how to live.

But the bible calls us Christians to be salt and light. Not only are we called to live in righteousness but our example is to show the way for others. It’s our joy to walk with Jesus and to be ever so grateful for our release from the prison of sin and the horror of eternity in hell, that we draw on all His power to live a new life of freedom, righteousness and purity.

As born again Christians we have a new nature. We are born from above we don’t want to sin any longer; this salvation we have, is power over sin, and we have a new heart that wants to please God.

2. Everyone is tempted

Jas_1:14  But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). (AMP)

We learned last week about the power of walking in the spirit, we have a carnal nature – that old man that still has influence in our lives if we let it. But we choose to walk in the spirit and thereby we do not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.

You may be tempted, but here’s why you don’t yield to it.

  1. God is so generous and gracious to call you out of darkness. We say no to sin because of so great a salvation. We know what we are saved from.
  2. We count the cost. Is one night of passion worth losing our marriage, losing the respect of my kids, breaking up the family home, paying lawyers thousands of dollars in divorce settlements etc etc? (It cost Greg Norman $9mill to divorce his first wife… might have been less pain to stay together)
  3. There’s a massive amount of evidence that such relationships rarely work out. 41% of marriages end in divorce and 83% of second marriages.

MY STORY IN KIEV.

3. The absence of the fear of God

The church must stay true to the word of God. If the church strays away from truth it loses its power and effectiveness. The church cannot wink at pre-marital sex, adultery, or any immorality because the society is changing. We must preach bible values. To preach the gospel is to present the true picture of salvation. The reality of what Jesus has done on the cross is so awesome and amazing that we are deeply moved by our understanding of the consequences of sin and the great gift of salvation we have received. It is a gift that we do not deserve in any way. Our ability to see it and repent is totally a gift from God and for us to take it for granted is the height of foolishness.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Depth of His love equals the height of His anger against sin. If we truly know Him we are people who walk in a Godly fear and walk in a manner worthy of so great a salvation.

Heb 10:26  If we give up and turn our backs on all we’ve learned, all we’ve been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ’s sacrifice

Heb 10:27  and are left on our own to face the Judgment–and a mighty fierce judgment it will be!

Heb 10:28  If the penalty for breaking the law of Moses is physical death,

Heb 10:29  what do you think will happen if you turn on God’s Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit?

Heb 10:30  This is no light matter. God has warned us that he’ll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: “Vengeance is mine, and I won’t overlook a thing,” and, “God will judge his people.”

Heb 10:31  Nobody’s getting by with anything, believe me. (MESS)

God is so gracious and forgiving, and yes, of course, adultery is not the unforgivable sin, but can we trade on that grace and enter a forbidden relationship in the belief that God will forgive and pardon us in the end?

I have counselled many people who have made that decision. Some ended up far from God, others serve in the ministry today. My only plea to all people I serve with the word of God, is walk carefully, this is very dangerous ground.

4. Spiritual and emotional adultery

Physical adultery breaks a covenant made in the sight of God between two people. Often this step comes at the end of what began as emotional and spiritual adultery.

Some people may even enter emotional and spiritual adultery and not actually come together physically.

Jesus speaks so clearly about this practice when he says…

Mat 5:27  You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. [Exod. 20:14; Deut. 5:18.]

Mat 5:28  But I say to you that everyone who so much as looks at a woman with evil desire for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (AMP)

When a man and a woman marry they covenant to live together and give each other their hearts and their souls and their bodies. Scientists have discovered that when a couple makes love, the hormone oxytocin is released in both the man and the woman. This hormone creates a bonding experience in the mind and emotions of each one. The act of sex is so much more than physical.

When a married person shares their heart with a person other than their spouse they begin to forge a link that supplies the rest and refreshment of the soul that should be provided only by your spouse. Often counsellors get into trouble because they show empathy and express care and listening skills which create a bond emotionally that leads to emotions of infidelity. That is why in this church we do not counsel the opposite sex.

These emotions can seem so real that the person believes they have fallen in love with someone else and now they feel their own partner does not love them.

Often the man feels his wife does not understand him and he finds solace in the caring of another woman. His own wife will sense he has distanced himself from her and alarm bells go off. Soon her fear of another being present in the relationship, pushes her to criticism and anger, pushing him away.

At this point the offending pair will say, “It all seems so right. Perhaps we married the wrong person.”

They have been duped by deception. This deception stops them from seeing the truth – that their new relationship is of their own making and it is fuelled by pride. “This is what I want – it’s for me”

Pro 6:32  But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks heart and understanding (moral principle and prudence); he who does it is destroying his own life.

Pro 6:33  Wounds and disgrace will he get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. (AMP)

 The way out

  1. Cut it off now. Don’t wait another hour. Don’t expect your feelings to approve. Run from the snare that has caught you.   Pro 7:21  With much justifying and enticing argument she persuades him, with the allurements of her lips she leads him [to overcome his conscience and his fears] and forces him along.

Pro 7:22  Suddenly he [yields and] follows her reluctantly like an ox moving to the slaughter, like one in fetters going to the correction [to be given] to a fool or like a dog enticed by food to the muzzle

  1. Seek God and cry out for His mercy that perhaps He will lift the deception off your soul.
  2. See a counsellor. Be open to someone who is Godly and confess your sins and receive instruction. Chris and I are willing to see anyone. You may wish to see a professional counsellor outside the church. Here is a resource for Christian counsellors. http://www.ccaa.net.au/find-a-christian-counsellor/all-christian-counsellors.php?intstate=2  and another  http://www.totalwellbeing.com.au/counselling-service

We live in a crazy world where the moral standards are plummeting – lets be a church that shines the light so bright. Let’s be a church that empowers great marriages and heals broken ones. Let’s be a church that helps adulterers find a way back home and let’s be a church that helps to heal the broken hearted ones who have been betrayed.

Love one another, go easy on one another, pray for each other.

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URBAN CONNECT GROUP LEADERS TRAINING LESSON No. 3

Posted in Equip the Saints, Leaders Training, tagged , , , , , , , , on August 15, 2012| Leave a Comment »

WEEK 3

The role of the Visionary Leader, Demographic Leader and Core Leader.

Your role as a core leader = Urban Connect Group Leader.

Lets look at the different kinds of leaders that function in the local church.

There are:

  1. Visionary Leaders
  2. Demographic Leaders
  3. Core Leaders

In Ex 18: 17-21

Exo 18:17  Moses’ father-in-law said to him, The thing that you are doing is not good.

Exo 18:18  You will surely wear out both yourself and this people with you, for the thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it all by yourself.

Exo 18:19  Listen now to [me]; I will counsel you, and God will be with you. You shall represent the people before God, bringing their cases and causes to Him,

Exo 18:20  Teaching them the decrees and laws, showing them the way they must walk and the work they must do.

Exo 18:21  Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people–God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain–and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers.

Exo 18:22  And let them judge the people at all times; every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.

Exo 18:23  If you will do this, and God so commands you, you will be able to endure [the strain], and all these people also will go to their [tents] in peace.

BRAINSTORM

From verse 19,20,21 – what was Moses role?

Moses Heard form God and set the vision. His role was to lead the people out of the land of Egypt and into the Promised Land. This is the big picture.

He needed other leaders to help him.

Leaders of 1000’s;  100’s;  50’s and 10’s

In our church who is the visionary leader?

In our church we have leaders of 50’s and leaders of 10’s. The leaders of 50’s are called demographic leaders. For example, Tim and Ariel over youth.

Leaders of 10’s are called Core Leaders, these are the Urban Connect group leaders.

They lead about 10 people in their Urban Connect group.

In the new testament we see a similar organisation.

Acts 6:1-4

Act 6:1  NOW ABOUT this time, when the number of the disciples was greatly increasing, complaint was made by the Hellenists (the Greek-speaking Jews) against the [native] Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked and neglected in the daily ministration (distribution of relief).

Act 6:2  So the Twelve [apostles] convened the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not seemly or desirable or right that we should have to give up or neglect [preaching] the Word of God in order to attend to serving at tables and superintending the distribution of food.

Act 6:3  Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and attested character and repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business and duty.

Act 6:4  But we will continue to devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

BRAINSTORM

Who are the visionary leader/s?

What was the role of the Visionary leaders?

They chose leaders under them like Stephen and Philip, who became demographic leaders. They impacted regions or cities for God.

THE ROLE OF THE VISIONARY LEADER

  • Creators, owners and inspirers of vision.
  • Chief “passionary” (value holder).
  • Chief believer in the potential and destiny of others.
  • Provides excellent self leadership.
  • Provides hands on development and partnership and vision for demographic leaders.
  • Facilitates the development and partnership of core leaders.
  • Calls others up by lifting,

THE ROLE OF THE DEMOGRAPHIC LEADERS

  • These are leaders who take responsibility for whole demographic target areas e.g. Schools/Youth/young adults/young families/business etc
  • They can see and follow the vision of their visionary leader
  • They make room by violent prayerfor a move of God
  • They are able to see how to turn the tide of war and win souls
  • They are culture setters; positive influencers
  • They cast vision to Core Leaders (the vision carriers) and inspire them to serve the vision. If Core Leaders are not multiplying disciples, Demographic Leaders do not complain. They work out how to walk with them so that they do
  • Will leave the one for the ninety nine

THE ROLE OF THE CORE LEADERS

  •  They multiply disciples, taking them from infancy to maturity
    • They are people who understand, articulate and facilitate the vision of the Demographic leader
    • They identify their place in the Church under a Demographic leader
    • They create community
  1. Around the Word of God
  2. By building relationships/friendships and making disciples
  3. By winning the lost and maintaining an outward focus
  • They carry the core values of the Church
  • They maintain the unity of the Spirit in the Church by embracing the vision and values set by Church leaders/visionary leader
  • They will leave the ninety nine to go for the one

Have a look at the Core Leaders Checklist. (at the bottom)

BIG THINKING

I will grow a group and multiply it in the next year.

I will make sure I get refuelled by the visionary leader every week, so I don’t grow stale or cold.

Core Leaders Checklist

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IDENTITY

Posted in Leaders Training, tagged , , , , , , on August 11, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Prayer and Mentoring 08-08-12

Jesus was secure in his identity.

He was the only one.

 

Identity is everything.

If Jesus is not God then he died in vain and we are lost. Almost all false religions and cults deny the deity of Christ. It is essential to our faith.

Jesus was and is and always will be the great I AM.

He is very God of Very God, very man of very man.

He knew who he was.

The Pharasees tried to tell Him who he was…

(John 8:52-59 ESV)

The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’

But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

 

What Jesus believed about himself was His identity. It wasn’t vague to him, it was sure. He knew who he was. All through his ministry life he had people telling him who he was and who he wasn’t.

  1. The devil – “If you be the son of God”
  2. Pharisees – “You have a devil.”
  3. Disciples – “God forbid that you would suffer and die”

 

What have people been saying about you?

As a young person, how many teachers, coaches, parents, leadership figures in your life made a negative assessment of you?

 

Think about it?

“You’ll never amount to anything.” is a very popular saying.

Maybe you deserved it sometimes, but will you let that statement define you???  Haven’t you changed now? If you’re my age you have changed!!

 

Your believing is everything. What you believe about yourself will determine what you achieve in life.

 

My Teacher – “You’ll never amount to anything Anderson.”

A significant pastoral leader in my life – assessed me as disloyal.

These kind of words can make a wrong picture in your inner world.

These kinds of words can limit you if you are stuck in the picture of how others have defined you.

 

Jesus asked His disciples, “What do men say of Me?” You must never do this. Don’t be defined with what men say of you. You are defined by what God says of you.

 

 

(Matthew 16:13-18 ESV)

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

 

We must never ask who do men say that I am.

We must always ask – who does God say that I am.

 

All of us are messed up to some degree.

 

Like Gideon

But what are we capable of?

And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” And Gideon said to him, “Please, sir, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”

 

Then the angel of the Lord reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes. And fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. And the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight. Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” (Judges 6:12-16, 21, 22 ESV)

 

Establish your identity. Who you are in Christ.

You must declare it! You must speak it out and determine that you will believe it.

 

How inspiring is Nick Vujicic?

What must he believe about himself? – “Life without limits”

What are your limits? Your believing!

 

Shake off the negative assessments others have made about you and declare what God says about you!

 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

He has made me the head and not the tail, I am above and not beneath.

I am more than a conqueror through him who loved me.

 

Use the verses in the who I am in Christ notes.

 

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