A Happy and warm August to all of you.
I hope you all enjoyed and were challenged by the services yesterday. There is no doubt that we are moving to the stage when you will not know what to expect in terms of the programme, but will come expecting an outpouring and an overflow of the presence of God.
Dennis Goldsworthy said last night, "You do here at New Life what everyone else does. You start with a time of worship; have announcements; take up the offering; and turn to the word of God for the message". However, had Dennis been visiting at our morning service he would have seen that our programme was, Prayer; announcements; teaching; worship; communion and offering. So we do not always do what others do!
However, the important thing is not the programme, but is whether or not we bring with us something of the presence of God. In other words that we are carriers of the presence of God, which will be reflected in how we contribute to the service.
Morning Service: "Prior to" an excellent time of worship, I spoke on "Ambassadors of Authority". The main points were:
1. There is no authority except God (Rom.13:1)
2. Authority and Power are not the same (authority = right; power = ability)
3. Real authority is earned in relationship and trust (not title and position)
4. Authority is relative to the person (Joshua over a nation; others 1,000s; 100's; 10's)
5. Authority is transferrable (Moses - Joshua; Elijah - Elisha; Jesus - Church)
6. We are given authority to:
(a) Teach (b) Heal (c) Forgive sins (d) Overcome our enemies (e) Defeat death
7. Authority can be abused
8. Authority will always be challenged
9. Godly authority must always be submitted to
Evening Service: Following the more normal format and another excellent worship experience Dennis Goldsworthy, from San Antonio, brought another "on the mark" message for New Life City Church. His message focused on the following:
1. God desires to touch his people and desires to be touched by his people
2. As God encountered Jacob, he desires to encounter us
3. Jacob was an ordinary messed up character who represents most of us
4. How much do we desire to encounter God?
At the end of the message several people responded, not just for prayer, but as an act of surrender to Christ and a demonstration of their desire to encounter God. People were touched in various and in different ways, but the fact that people reached out is what made the evening, and in fact the whole day, such a success. One man came up to me at the front and said, "Jack, I want to get saved". I had the joy of praying with him and leading him in a prayer of commitment to Christ as we stood at the front.
I want to thank Dennis Goldsworthy for making it across from England during his visit to the UK, and also to thank those who came out last night.
If I could mention each of your names here I would, but let say to you personally that I deeply appreciate your support. If I can be of any help to you, please let me know. Send me an email or give me a call. If you're buying the Latte, I'm there!
Let me also say that the spiritual temperature is still on the increase. The more we come together and bring our collective expectations and our desire to worship and to meet with God, then the more the spiritual temperature will continue to rise.
Davy John and Maureen. As I announced yesterday Davy John has accepted the invitation to become the Pastor of Randallstown Elim and will take up this new ministry on the first Sunday of September. We wish them well and will do what we can to help in the first 6 months and beyond if necessary.
As I said yesterday, this is an exciting announcement yet it is tinged with sadness. There would be something wrong if this was not the case. Davy John and Maureen have been with us for most of our existence at New Life. Their appointment is an honour for them and also for New Life. It also shows that New Life is raising up Missionaries (Johnny & Heather in India); Leaders (still with us) and Pastors. This is evidence of a healthy church (as are the babies!).
Babies are still weighing in! Last week it was congratulations to Allison and Jason and to baby Seth; this week it's congratulations to Elaine and Sam and to baby Matthew. COMMON DEB'S!!! JUST ONE MORE SQUEEZE!!!
Final thought: The Chinese man said, "The more you sweat in peace, the less you will bleed in war". I wonder is this why Paul said, "As much as it depends on you, be at peace with all men", for it is better to sweat in peace than to bleed in war.
See you all on Sunday
Pastor Jack
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